Dental Curing Lights And A Seamless, Single Load Cavity Preparation And Filling Technique

ABSTRACT

There are disclosed methods for the restoration of a decayed portion of a tooth, and dental matrices, dental wedges, interdental matrix stabilizers, dental separator rings, dental curing light devices, and kits that can be used in the methods for the restoration of a decayed portion of a tooth.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/844,333 filed Sep. 13, 2006 and from U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/887,291 filed Jan. 30, 2007.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates methods for the restoration of a decayedportion of a tooth and for dental matrices, dental wedges, interdentalmatrix stabilizers, dental separator rings, dental curing light devices,and kits that may be used in the methods for the restoration of adecayed portion of a tooth.

2. Description of the Related Art

Dental cavities that have spread to the dentin or have undergonecavitation are typically treated by removing the decayed portion of thetooth and thereafter filling the missing tooth structure with arestorative material such as silver (amalgam), white (resin), porcelain,or gold. Cavities that are located adjacent to neighboring teeth arecalled interproximal cavities.

When treating interproximal cavities, the dentist first removes thedecayed portion of the side of the tooth. In order to properly depositthe restorative material on the side of the tooth without undesiredleaking of the restorative material beyond the side of the tooth, thedentist places a dental matrix around at least a portion of the tooth.The dental matrix may be a metallic or plastic strip, and when thematrix is placed around at least a portion of the tooth, the matrix actsas a form for the desired shape of the restored tooth. Various dentalmatrix bands are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,712,608, 6,619,956,6,350,122, 6,142,778, 6,079,978, 5,975,906, 5,807,101, 5,730,592,5,622,496, 5,501,595, 5,460,525, 5,425,635, 5,114,341, 4,997,367,4,781,583, 4,718,849, 4,704,087, 4,601,662, 4,553,937, 4,536,155,4,523,909, 4,024,643, 3,842,505, 3,108,377, and 2,611,182, and U.S.Patent Application Publication Nos. 2006/0019217 and 2005/0089814.(These patents and all other patents and publications cited herein areincorporated herein by reference.) The disadvantages of these knownmatrix bands is that they are not truly anatomic and therefore, theymust be conformed to the tooth by pressure or other means. As a result,these matrixes are inefficient in that more dentist time is needed tocomplete the restoration, and the final result may be a non-anatomicrestoration.

One or more dental wedges may be used to spread adjacent teeth to allowthe dental matrix to be positioned between the adjacent teeth. Thedental wedge(s) may also function as a matrix stabilizer that maintainsthe matrix in a desired position with respect to the tooth to berestored. Various dental wedges are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,890,176,6,761,562, 6,482,007, 6,435,874, 6,425,760, 6,234,792, 5,527,181,5,104,317, 4,468,199, 4,337,041, 4,259,070 and D439,667.

A dental separator ring may also be used when filling interproximalcavities. The separator ring applies pressure against the adjacent teethto force the adjacent teeth apart to allow a dental matrix to bepositioned between the adjacent teeth. The dental separator ring mayalso include specially configured ends that also function as a matrixstabilizer that maintains the matrix in a desired position with respectto the tooth to be restored. Example dental separator rings can be foundin U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,325,625, 6,206,697 and 5,607,302.

A dentist may choose to use curable restorative material to fill theinterproximal cavity. Many curable dental restorative materials hardenby polymerization reactions initiated by ultraviolet light or bluewavelengths. After placing curable restorative material between thematrix and the tooth being restored and in contact with the tooth beingrestored, the dentist uses a dental curing light device to direct lightonto the curable restorative material to initiate polymerization of thecurable restorative material. The curable restorative material thenhardens in the cavity. Example dental lights and light curing devicescan be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,097,364, 6,976,841, 6,155,823,6,162,055, and 5,017,140 and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos.2006/0275733, 2006/0275732, 2006/018835, 2006/0155171, 2006/0154197,2006/0110700, 2006/0088798, 2004/0229186 and 2004/0053189.

Even though various dental matrices, dental wedges and dental curinglight devices are available, there is a still a need for improvedmethods for the restoration of a decayed portion of a tooth and forimproved dental matrices, dental wedges, interdental matrix stabilizers,separator rings, dental curing light devices, and kits that may be usedin methods for the restoration of a decayed portion of a tooth.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention meets the foregoing needs by providing improved methods,dental matrices, dental wedges, interdental matrix stabilizers, dentalseparator rings, dental curing light devices, and kits for therestoration of a decayed portion of a tooth.

The invention provides a method for the restoration of a tooth having anoriginal shape including a top surface and an interproximal surface. Inthe method, a portion of the top surface of the tooth and a portion ofthe interproximal surface of the tooth are removed using conventionaldental instruments to form a hollow cavity preparation that extends fromthe top surface to the interproximal surface of the tooth. The hollowcavity preparation is preferably saucer shaped wherein the cavitypreparation does not extend inward more than two millimeters from theinterproximal surface of the tooth. The removed portion of theinterproximal surface of the tooth is then surrounded with a sectionaltranslucent (preferably transparent) anatomic dental matrix. The actualanatomic shapes of the matrix are created from scans of natural teeth,molds of natural teeth, and/or molds of tooth models. Thus, by“anatomic”, it is meant that the matrix has an inner surface thatconforms to the shape of the outer surface of the region of the naturaltooth being restored.

A lightly filled or unfilled light curable resin tooth bonding agent isthen applied to the tooth covering the entire cavity preparation. Theresin tooth bonding agent is then air thinned except on the toothsurface where a small pool of resin tooth bonding agent is maintained.The resin tooth bonding agent is not light cured at this point. Alight-curable flowable composite is injected into the cavity preparationto create a pool of the flowable composite and the tooth bonding agentin the cavity preparation. A light-curable paste composite resin is thenextruded into the pool of the flowable composite and the tooth bondingagent before light curing the pool of the flowable composite. Theflowable composite and the paste composite resin and the tooth bondingagent contained in the cavity preparation are then light curedsimultaneously. The result is an injection molded restoration.Optionally, a curable base material can be loaded into deeper cavitypreparations to cover the dentin. The curable base material is curedbefore beginning the injection molding process. Preferably, the curedbase material is about two millimeters from the projected outer toothsurface of the restoration.

In one version of the method, a pre-wedging step occurs in that a wedgeis inserted between the interproximal surfaces of the teeth beforebeginning the cavity preparation. This creates a gap between theinterproximal surface of the tooth being restored and the interproximalsurface of a second tooth, and also protects and compresses the softtissue and rubber dam. The wedge is removed, and thereafter the removedportion of the interproximal surface of the tooth is surrounded with thematrix. A translucent elastic matrix stabilizer can also be positionedin contact with the matrix to maintain contact of the matrix with thetooth being restored. A separator ring can also be positioned in contactwith the matrix stabilizer to create separation between theinterproximal surface of the tooth being restored and an interproximalsurface of a second tooth adjacent the tooth being restored.

During the curing process, light is directed at the top surface of thetooth, the buccal portion of the interproximal surface of the tooth, andthe lingual portion of the interproximal surface of the tooth.Preferably, curing light is simultaneously directed at the buccalportion and the lingual portion of the interproximal surface of thetooth.

Thus, in the method of the invention, a single load of restorativematerial can be cured in a single step to produce a seamless cavityrestoration.

In one aspect, the invention provides a method for the restoration of atooth having an original shape including a top surface and aninterproximal surface. In the method, a portion of the top surface ofthe tooth and a portion of the interproximal surface of the tooth areremoved to form a hollow cavity preparation which extends from the topsurface to the interproximal surface of the tooth. The removed portionof the interproximal surface of the tooth is surrounded with a matrix. Alight-curable resin tooth bonding agent is placed into the cavitypreparation. A light-curable flowable composite is then injected intothe cavity preparation to create a pool of the flowable composite in thecavity preparation. A light-curable paste composite resin is thenextruded into the pool of the flowable composite before light curing thepool of the flowable composite. The bonding agent and the flowablecomposite and the paste composite resin contained in the cavitypreparation are then simultaneously light cured.

The dental practitioner may utilize an acid etching step with liquidand/or gel phosphoric acid treatment before placing the bonding agentinto the cavity preparation. Preferably, the bonding agent isself-etching. The method can include a pre-wedging step includinginserting a wedge pre-operatively between the interproximal surface ofthe tooth being restored and an interproximal surface of a second toothadjacent the tooth being restored to separate the tooth being restoredand the second tooth and to protect non-diseased surfaces between theinterproximal surface of the tooth being restored and the interproximalsurface of the second tooth. The cavity preparation can then be formed,and the wedge removed.

The dental practitioner may position a translucent elastic matrixstabilizer in contact with the matrix to maintain contact of the matrixwith the tooth being restored and/or to create separation of the teeth.The dental practitioner may also position a separator ring with atransparent and anatomic interproximal zone in contact with the matrixstabilizer and matrix to create separation between the interproximalsurface of the tooth being restored and an interproximal surface of asecond tooth adjacent the tooth being restored.

In the light curing step, the dental practitioner may simultaneouslydirect light at the top surface of the tooth, at a buccal portion of theinterproximal surface of the tooth, and at a lingual portion of theinterproximal surface of the tooth. Alternatively, the dentalpractitioner may direct light at the top surface of the tooth, and thenthereafter simultaneously direct light at a buccal portion and a lingualportion of the interproximal surface of the tooth. In one exemplaryversion of the method, light is directed from a first light guide at abuccal portion of the interproximal surface of the tooth, and directedfrom a second light guide at a lingual portion of the interproximalsurface of the tooth, wherein the first light guide and the second lightguide are hinged at a dental curing light housing.

The hollow cavity preparation is preferably saucer shaped. Preferably,the cavity preparation does not extend inward more than two millimetersfrom the interproximal surface of the tooth. Preferably, the hollowcavity preparation is saucer shaped and in an occlusal view has a firstserpentine outline from a first cavity margin to an intermediate pointof the cavity preparation and has a second serpentine outline from asecond cavity margin to the intermediate point of the cavitypreparation. Preferably, the hollow cavity preparation is saucer shapedand in a gingival view has a first serpentine outline from a firstcavity margin to an intermediate point of the cavity preparation and hasa second serpentine outline from a second cavity margin to theintermediate point of the cavity preparation. Preferably, the hollowcavity preparation is saucer shaped and in a buccal view has a firstserpentine outline from a first cavity margin to an intermediate pointof the cavity preparation and has a second serpentine outline from asecond cavity margin to the intermediate point of the cavitypreparation. Preferably, the hollow cavity preparation is saucer shapedand in a lingual view has a first serpentine outline from a first cavitymargin to an intermediate point of the cavity preparation and has asecond serpentine outline from a second cavity margin to theintermediate point of the cavity preparation. Preferably, the hollowcavity preparation is saucer shaped in an occlusal view, and/or buccalview, and/or lingual view, and/or gingival view.

Various forms of the matrix are suitable for the method. For example,the matrix can be translucent, sectional, and/or anatomically shaped.The matrix can be tooth specific, or the matrix can be tooth typespecific, or the matrix can be tooth surface specific.

In one exemplary version of the method, further flowable compositeand/or paste composite resin are not added after the first load offlowable composite and paste composite resin such that the methodproduces a single cured layer load and layer of flowable composite andpaste composite resin. Advantageously, the filled cavity preparation isseamless, injection molded, and/or not layered. In another version ofthe method, a curable base/liner material is loaded into the cavitypreparation, the base/liner material is cured, and thereafter thelight-curable flowable composite is injected into the cavity preparationto create the pool of the flowable composite in the cavity preparation.Preferably, an external surface of the cured base/liner material is twomillimeters or less from a projected external interproximal fillingsurface of the tooth.

In another aspect, the invention provides a first embodiment of aninterproximal dental matrix stabilizer. The interproximal dental matrixstabilizer includes an elongated elastic body having a first endportion, a second opposite end portion, a middle portion connecting thefirst end portion and the second end portion, a first side surface, asecond side surface, a top surface and a bottom surface. The first endportion has a first throughhole extending from the top surface to thebottom surface, and the second end portion has a second throughholeextending from the top surface to the bottom surface. The first endportion includes an area of material weakness extending toward the topsurface and extending toward the bottom surface and extending toward afirst end surface of the body whereby the first end portion can beseparated into separate end members by application of a separation forceat the area of material weakness, which can extend from the firstthroughhole to the first end surface of the body. Preferably, the bodycomprises a translucent material. Most preferably, the body comprises atranslucent material. Also, the interproximal dental matrix stabilizercan be made with translucent elastomeric material with a round and/ortapered cross section. The interproximal dental matrix stabilizer can beused in place of traditional wooden, plastic or rubber wedges and alsoallows for better photon transfer from a curing light. Preferably, thesecond end portion includes a second area of material weakness extendingtoward the top surface and extending toward the bottom surface andextending toward a second end surface of the body whereby the second endportion can be separated into separate end members by application of aseparation force at the second area of material weakness.

In one exemplary form, the top surface of the body includes a first pairof upper side-by-side depressions in the middle portion of the body, andthe bottom surface of the body includes at least one concavity in themiddle portion of the body. In another exemplary form, the first pair ofupper side-by-side depressions include an inwardly curved inner surface,and the bottom surface of the body includes a concavity having aninwardly curved inner surface. In yet another exemplary form, the firstside surface of the body includes a first curved protrusion located nearan intermediate vertical plane of the body. In still another exemplaryform, the first side surface of the body includes a first curvedprotrusion located near the first throughhole, and the second sidesurface of the body includes a second curved protrusion located near thesecond throughhole.

In yet another exemplary form, the first side surface of the bodyincludes a first curved protrusion located near the first throughhole,and the second side surface of the body includes a second curvedprotrusion located near the first throughhole. In still anotherexemplary form, the separate end members have a rectangular verticalcross-section.

In another aspect, the invention provides a second embodiment of aninterproximal dental matrix stabilizer. The interproximal dental matrixstabilizer includes an elongated elastic body having a first endportion, a second opposite end portion, a middle portion connecting thefirst end portion and the second end portion, a first side surface, asecond side surface, a top surface and a bottom surface. The first sidesurface of the body includes a first outwardly extending protrusion onthe first end portion wherein the first outwardly extending protrusionis spaced inward from a first end surface of the body. The first sidesurface of the body further includes a second outwardly extendingprotrusion on the second end portion wherein the second outwardlyextending protrusion is spaced inward from a second end surface of thebody. Preferably, the body comprises a translucent material.

In one exemplary form, the first end portion includes a first sectionadjacent the first outwardly extending protrusion and a second sectionconnected to the first section of the first end portion opposite thefirst outwardly extending protrusion wherein the second section of thefirst end portion extends laterally outward from the first section ofthe first end portion, and the second end portion includes a firstsection adjacent the second outwardly extending protrusion and a secondsection connected to the first section of the second end portionopposite the second outwardly extending protrusion wherein the secondsection of the second end portion extends laterally outward from thefirst section of the second end portion. Preferably, the second sectionof the first end portion is generally disc shaped, and the secondsection of the second end portion is generally disc shaped. Preferably,the top surface includes indicia for facilitating placement of theinterproximal dental matrix stabilizer between approximating teeth withthe top surface positioned away from the gingiva.

In another exemplary form, the second side surface of the body includesa third outwardly extending protrusion on the first end portion, and thesecond side surface of the body further includes a fourth outwardlyextending protrusion on the second end portion. In yet another exemplaryform, the first end portion includes an area of material weaknessextending toward the top surface and extending toward the bottom surfaceand extending toward a first end surface of the body whereby the firstend portion can be separated into separate first end members byapplication of a separation force at the area of material weakness, andthe second end portion includes a second area of material weaknessextending toward the top surface and extending toward the bottom surfaceand extending toward a second end surface of the body whereby the secondend portion can be separated into separate second end members byapplication of a separation force at the second area of materialweakness. Preferably, the first separate end members and the secondseparate end members have a rectangular vertical cross-section. In stillanother exemplary form, the first side surface of the body includes afirst curved protrusion located near an intermediate vertical plane ofthe body. In yet another exemplary form, the bottom surface of the bodyincludes a concavity. The concavity can have a longitudinal axis and alateral axis transverse to the longitudinal axis wherein thelongitudinal axis extends toward the first end portion and the secondend portion and the longitudinal axis is longer than the lateral axis.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a sectional translucentanatomic dental matrix for providing a form for filling a hollow cavitypreparation in a tooth. The matrix includes a curved strip of material.The strip has a length from a first end to a second end sufficient toextend beyond a first vertical junction of the cavity preparation and asurface of the tooth and to extend beyond a second vertical junction ofthe cavity preparation and the surface of the tooth to create the formfor filling the cavity preparation, which may be interproximal. Thestrip has a horizontally concave side surface and a horizontally convexside surface, and the strip has a base portion and an upper portionintegral with and extending upward from the base portion. The concaveside surface is anatomic in that the concave side surface has an innersurface that that conforms to the shape of the outer surface of theregion of the natural tooth being restored. Also, the concave sidesurface and the convex side surface can extend from the first end to thesecond end. A first thickness between the concave side surface and theconvex side surface at a first plane horizontal to the strip is lessthan a second thickness between the concave side surface and the convexside surface at a second plane horizontal to the strip wherein thesecond plane is below the first plane.

In one exemplary form, the horizontally concave side surface forming thebase portion is not vertically concave, and the horizontally concaveside surface forming the upper portion is vertically concave. In anotherexemplary form, the strip thickness between the concave side surface andthe convex side surface at planes horizontal to the strip decreases fromlower to upper sections of the upper portion of the strip. In yetanother exemplary form, the concave side surface and the convex sidesurface extend from the first end to the second end.

Preferably, the material of the curved strip is translucent. In oneform, the material is metallic. In another form, the material ispolymeric. One non-limiting advantage to the translucent sectionalmatrix is that it allows a single load of composite material, whichalleviates both the problems of (i) voids between the two millimeterseparately loaded and cured increments required with composite materialand a metal matrix and (ii) the additional time wasted to place andlight cure several layers of composite filling material.

In one exemplary form, the matrix is sectional and anatomically shaped.In another exemplary form, the matrix is tooth specific. In yet anotherexemplary form, the matrix is tooth type specific. In still anotherexemplary form, the matrix is tooth surface specific.

In still another aspect, the invention provides a sectional translucentanatomic dental matrix for providing a form for filling a hollow cavitypreparation in a tooth. The dental matrix includes a curved strip ofmaterial. The strip has a length from a first end to a second endsufficient to extend beyond a first vertical junction of the cavitypreparation and a surface of the tooth and to extend beyond a secondvertical junction of the cavity preparation and the surface of the toothto create the form for filling the cavity preparation, which may beinterproximal. The strip has a first side surface and a second sidesurface. The first side surface has an intermediate horizontally convexsection between a first horizontally concave section and a secondhorizontally concave section. Preferably, the strip has a base portionand an upper portion integral with and extending upward from the baseportion, and the base portion includes the horizontally convex section,the first horizontally concave section and the second horizontallyconcave section.

In one exemplary form, the strip thickness between the first sidesurface and the second side surface at planes horizontal to the stripdecreases from lower to upper sections of the upper portion of thestrip. In another exemplary form, the first side surface forming thebase portion is not vertically concave, and the second side surfaceforming the upper portion is vertically concave. In yet anotherexemplary form, a first thickness between the first side surface and thesecond side surface at a first plane horizontal to the strip is lessthan a second thickness between the first side surface and the secondside surface at a second plane horizontal to the strip, the second planebeing below the first plane.

Preferably, the material of the curved strip is translucent. In oneform, the material is metallic. In another form, the material ispolymeric.

In one exemplary form, the matrix is sectional and anatomically shaped.In another exemplary form, the matrix is tooth specific. In yet anotherexemplary form, the matrix is tooth type specific. In still anotherexemplary form, the matrix is tooth surface specific.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a dental matrix forproviding a form for filling a first hollow interproximal cavitypreparation in a first tooth and a second hollow interproximal cavitypreparation in a second tooth. The matrix includes a first curved stripof a first material. The first strip has a length from a first end to asecond end sufficient to extend beyond a first vertical junction of thefirst interproximal cavity preparation and an interproximal surface ofthe first tooth and to extend beyond a second vertical junction of thefirst interproximal cavity preparation and the interproximal surface ofthe first tooth to create the form for filling the first interproximalcavity preparation. The first strip has a first side surface and asecond side surface. The matrix also includes a second curved strip of asecond material. The second strip has a first side surface and a secondside surface. The second strip has a length from a first end to a secondend sufficient to extend beyond a first vertical junction of the secondinterproximal cavity preparation and an interproximal surface of thesecond tooth and to extend beyond a second vertical junction of thesecond interproximal cavity preparation and the interproximal surface ofthe second tooth to create the form for filling the second interproximalcavity preparation. The first curved strip and the second curved stripare joined at a middle portion of the multi-strip matrix, and the middleportion of the matrix has a thickness less than two times a thickness ofthe first end of the first curved strip. Preferably, the first curvedstrip and the second curved strip have an arc of less than 270 degrees.

In one exemplary form, the first curved strip and the second curvedstrip are translucent. The first material and the second material can bemetallic, or the first material and the second material can bepolymeric.

In one exemplary form, the matrix is sectional and anatomically shaped.In another exemplary form, the matrix is tooth specific. In yet anotherexemplary form, the matrix is tooth type specific. In still anotherexemplary form, the matrix is tooth surface specific.

In one exemplary form, the first curved strip has a first horizontallyconcave side surface and a first horizontally convex side surface, andthe second curved strip has a second horizontally concave side surfaceand a second horizontally convex side surface. The concave side surfacesof the first and second strip are anatomic in that the concave sidesurfaces have an inner surface that that conforms to the shape of theouter surface of the region of the natural tooth being restored. Also,the concave side surface and the convex side surface can extend from thefirst end to the second end of the first strip and the second strip. Inanother exemplary form, the first strip has a first base portion and afirst upper portion integral with and extending upward from the firstbase portion, the first horizontally concave side surface forming thefirst base portion is not vertically concave, the first horizontallyconcave side surface forming the first upper portion is verticallyconcave, the second strip has a second base portion and a second upperportion integral with and extending upward from the second base portion,the second horizontally concave side surface forming the second baseportion is not vertically concave, and the second horizontally concaveside surface forming the second upper portion is vertically concave.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for filling a firsthollow interproximal cavity preparation in a first tooth and a secondhollow interproximal cavity preparation in an adjacent second toothusing this multi-strip matrix. In the method, a matrix stabilizer isplaced between an interproximal surface of the first tooth and aninterproximal surface of the second tooth, and the multi-strip matrix isplaced between the first tooth and the second tooth such that the firstcurved strip is placed in contact with the interproximal surface of thefirst tooth, and the second curved strip is placed in contact with theinterproximal surface of the second tooth, and the matrix stabilizer isplaced between the first curved strip and the second curved strip and incontact with the first curved strip and the second curved strip. Thecavity preparations may then be filled.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method for filling afirst hollow interproximal cavity preparation in a first tooth and asecond hollow interproximal cavity preparation in an adjacent secondtooth using this multi-strip matrix. A matrix stabilizer is placedbetween an interproximal surface of the first tooth and an interproximalsurface of the second tooth. The matrix stabilizer is placed in tensionto create a middle portion of decreased cross-section in the matrixstabilizer. The multi-strip matrix is placed between the first tooth andthe second tooth such that the first curved strip is placed in contactwith the interproximal surface of the first tooth, and the second curvedstrip is placed in contact with the interproximal surface of the secondtooth, and the matrix stabilizer is placed between the first curvedstrip and the second curved strip. The tension is then released on thematrix stabilizer such that the matrix stabilizer is placed in contactwith the first curved strip and the second curved strip. The cavitypreparations may then be filled.

In still another aspect, the invention provides a method for filling afirst hollow interproximal cavity preparation in a first tooth and asecond hollow interproximal cavity preparation in an adjacent secondtooth using this multi-strip matrix. The multi-strip is placed betweenthe first tooth and the second tooth such that the first curved strip isplaced adjacent the interproximal surface of the first tooth and thesecond curved strip is placed adjacent the interproximal surface of thesecond tooth. At least one dental wedge is then placed between the firstcurved strip and the second curved strip and in contact with the firstcurved strip and the second curved strip thereby biasing the firstcurved strip into contact with the interproximal surface of the firsttooth, and biasing the second curved strip into contact with theinterproximal surface of the second tooth. The cavity preparations maythen be filled.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a dental matrix forproviding a form for filling a first hollow interproximal cavitypreparation in a first tooth and a second hollow interproximal cavitypreparation in a second tooth. The matrix includes a first curved stripof a first material. The first strip has a length from a first end to asecond end sufficient to extend beyond a first vertical junction of thefirst interproximal cavity preparation and an interproximal surface ofthe first tooth and to extend beyond a second vertical junction of thefirst interproximal cavity preparation and the interproximal surface ofthe first tooth to create the form for filling the first interproximalcavity preparation. The first strip has a first side surface and asecond side surface, and the first curved strip has a first throughhole.The matrix also includes a second curved strip of a second material. Thesecond strip has a first side surface and a second side surface. Thesecond strip has a length from a first end to a second end sufficient toextend beyond a first vertical junction of the second interproximalcavity preparation and an interproximal surface of the second tooth andto extend beyond a second vertical junction of the second interproximalcavity preparation and the interproximal surface of the second tooth tocreate the form for filling the second interproximal cavity preparation.The second curved strip has a second throughhole. In the matrix, thefirst curved strip and the second curved strip are joined at a middleportion of the matrix. Preferably, the first curved strip and the secondcurved strip have an arc of less than 270 degrees. Preferably, themiddle portion of the matrix has a thickness less than two times athickness of the first end of the first curved strip.

In one exemplary form, the first curved strip and the second curvedstrip are translucent. The first material and the second material can bemetallic, or the first material and the second material can bepolymeric.

In one exemplary form, the matrix is sectional and anatomically shaped.In another exemplary form, the matrix is tooth specific. In yet anotherexemplary form, the matrix is tooth type specific. In still anotherexemplary form, the matrix is tooth surface specific.

In another exemplary form, the first curved strip has a firsthorizontally concave side surface and a first horizontally convex sidesurface, and the second curved strip has a second horizontally concaveside surface and a second horizontally convex side surface. In yetanother exemplary form, the first strip has a first base portion and afirst upper portion integral with and extending upward from the firstbase portion, the first horizontally concave side surface forming thefirst base portion is not vertically concave, the first horizontallyconcave side surface forming the first upper portion is verticallyconcave, the second strip has a second base portion and a second upperportion integral with and extending upward from the second base portion,the second horizontally concave side surface forming the second baseportion is not vertically concave, and the second horizontally concaveside surface forming the second upper portion is vertically concave. Instill another exemplary form, the first throughhole and the secondthroughhole are aligned to create a passageway. In yet another exemplaryform, the first throughhole and the second throughhole are aligned, anda membrane is positioned between the first throughhole and the secondthroughhole.

In still another aspect, the invention provides a method for filling afirst hollow interproximal cavity preparation in a first tooth and asecond hollow interproximal cavity preparation in an adjacent secondtooth using this multi-strip matrix. A matrix stabilizer is placedbetween an interproximal surface of the first tooth and an interproximalsurface of the second tooth. The multi-strip matrix is placed betweenthe first tooth and the second tooth such that the first curved strip isplaced in contact with the interproximal surface of the first tooth, thesecond curved strip is placed in contact with the interproximal surfaceof the second tooth, and the matrix stabilizer is placed between thefirst curved strip and the second curved strip and in contact with thefirst curved strip and the second curved strip. The cavity preparationsmay then be filled.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method for filling afirst hollow interproximal cavity preparation in a first tooth and asecond hollow interproximal cavity preparation in an adjacent secondtooth. A matrix stabilizer is placed between an interproximal surface ofthe first tooth and an interproximal surface of the second tooth. Thematrix stabilizer is placed in tension to create a middle portion ofdecreased cross-section in the matrix stabilizer. The multi-strip matrixis inserted between the first tooth and the second tooth such that thefirst curved strip is placed in contact with the interproximal surfaceof the first tooth, the second curved strip is placed in contact withthe interproximal surface of the second tooth, and the matrix stabilizeris placed between the first curved strip and the second curved strip.The tension on the matrix stabilizer is released such that the matrixstabilizer is placed in contact with the first curved strip and thesecond curved strip. The cavity preparations may then be filled.

In still another aspect, the invention provides a method for filling afirst hollow interproximal cavity preparation in a first tooth and asecond hollow interproximal cavity preparation in an adjacent secondtooth using this multi-strip matrix. The multi-strip matrix is insertedbetween the first tooth and the second tooth such that the first curvedstrip is placed adjacent the interproximal surface of the first tooth,and the second curved strip is placed adjacent the interproximal surfaceof the second tooth. At least one dental wedge is placed between thefirst curved strip and the second curved strip and in contact with thefirst curved strip and the second curved strip thereby biasing the firstcurved strip into contact with the interproximal surface of the firsttooth, and biasing the second curved strip into contact with theinterproximal surface of the second tooth. The cavity preparations maythen be filled.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a dental matrix kit forproviding a form for filling a first hollow interproximal cavitypreparation in a first tooth and a second hollow interproximal cavitypreparation in a second tooth. The matrix kit includes a first curvedstrip of a first material. The first strip has a length from a first endto a second end sufficient to extend beyond a first vertical junction ofthe first interproximal cavity preparation and an interproximal surfaceof the first tooth and to extend beyond a second vertical junction ofthe first interproximal cavity preparation and the interproximal surfaceof the first tooth to create the form for filling the firstinterproximal cavity preparation. The first strip has a first sidesurface and a second side surface. The matrix kit includes a secondcurved strip of a second material. The second strip has a first sidesurface and a second side surface. The second strip has a length from afirst end to a second end sufficient to extend beyond a first verticaljunction of the second interproximal cavity preparation and aninterproximal surface of the second tooth and to extend beyond a secondvertical junction of the second interproximal cavity preparation and theinterproximal surface of the second tooth to create the form for fillingthe second interproximal cavity preparation. The second curved strip hasa throughhole. Preferably, the first curved strip and the second curvedstrip are sectional and have an arc of less than 270 degrees.

In one exemplary form, the first curved strip and the second curvedstrip are translucent. The first material and the second material can bemetallic, or the first material and the second material can bepolymeric.

In one exemplary form, the first curved strip and the second curvedstrip are anatomically shaped. In another exemplary form, the firstcurved strip and the second curved strip are tooth specific. In yetanother exemplary form, the first curved strip and the second curvedstrip are tooth type specific. In still another exemplary form, thefirst curved strip and the second curved strip are tooth surfacespecific.

In one exemplary form, the first curved strip has a first horizontallyconcave side surface and a first horizontally convex side surface, andthe second curved strip has a second horizontally concave side surfaceand a second horizontally convex side surface. In another exemplaryform, the first strip has a first base portion and a first upper portionintegral with and extending upward from the first base portion, thefirst horizontally concave side surface forming the first base portionis not vertically concave, the first horizontally concave side surfaceforming the first upper portion is vertically concave, the second striphas a second base portion and a second upper portion integral with andextending upward from the second base portion, the second horizontallyconcave side surface forming the second base portion is not verticallyconcave, and the second horizontally concave side surface forming thesecond upper portion is vertically concave.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method for preparing aform for filling a first hollow interproximal cavity preparation in afirst tooth and a second hollow interproximal cavity preparation in asecond tooth. In the method, a first horizontally convex side surface ofthe first curved strip of the dental matrix kit is placed against asecond horizontally convex side surface of the second curved strip ofthe dental matrix kit. A portion of the first curved strip of the dentalmatrix kit may also be positioned in the throughhole of the secondcurved strip of the dental matrix kit.

In another aspect, the invention provides a dental curing light. Thecuring light includes an electrical power supply, a first light guide inoptical communication with at least one light source in electricalcommunication with the electrical power supply, and a second light guidein optical communication with at least one light source in electricalcommunication with the electrical power supply. The first light guideand the second light guide are connected to a housing, and at least oneof the first light guide and the second light guide is hinged to thehousing for movement with respect to the housing. Preferably, the firstlight guide and the second light guide are both hinged to the housingfor movement with respect to the housing.

In one exemplary form, the first light guide has a first distal tip, thesecond light guide has a second distal tip, and the first tip and thesecond tip are angled toward each other. In another exemplary form, thefirst light guide and the second light guide are normally biased into arelaxed position in which the first distal tip and the second distal tipare a first distance apart, and the first light guide and the secondlight guide have an outwardly flexed position in which the first distaltip and the second distal tip are a second distance apart, the seconddistance being greater than the first distance. Preferably, the firstdistance is about 4 to about 15 millimeters.

In one exemplary form, the first light guide is in optical communicationwith a first light source in electrical communication with theelectrical power supply, the second light guide is in opticalcommunication with a second light source in electrical communicationwith the electrical power supply, the first light source is located inthe first distal end of the first light guide, and the second lightsource is located in the second distal end of the second light guide. Inanother exemplary form, the dental curing light includes a third lightguide in optical communication with at least one light source inelectrical communication with the electrical power supply. The thirdlight guide may be hinged at a dental curing light housing.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method for therestoration of a tooth having a hollow cavity preparation in aninterproximal surface of the tooth. In the method, a light-curablerestorative material is placed in the cavity preparation. Light isdirected from the first light guide of the dental curing light at abuccal portion of the restorative material in the cavity preparation,light is simultaneously directed from the second light guide of thedental curing light at a lingual portion of the restorative material inthe cavity preparation.

In another aspect, the invention provides a dental curing lightincluding an electrical power supply, a first light guide in opticalcommunication with at least one light source in electrical communicationwith the electrical power supply, a first light transmitting tipconnected to a first distal end of the first light guide, the first tipincluding a first tip section having a diameter less than a diameter ofthe first distal end of the first light guide, a second light guide inoptical communication with at least one light source in electricalcommunication with the electrical power supply and a second lighttransmitting tip connected to a second distal end of the second lightguide, the second tip including a second tip section having a diameterless than a diameter of the second distal end of the second light guide.Preferably, the first tip and the second tip are angled toward eachother.

In one exemplary form, the first light guide is in optical communicationwith a first light source in electrical communication with theelectrical power supply, and the second light guide is in opticalcommunication with a second light source in electrical communicationwith the electrical power supply. The first light source can be locatedin the first distal end of the first light guide, and the second lightsource can be located in the second distal end of the second lightguide.

In another exemplary form, the first light guide and the second lightguide are connected to a housing, and at least one of the first lightguide and the second light guide is hinged to the housing for movementwith respect to the housing. In yet another exemplary form, the firsttip includes a first light transmitting section extending laterally froma base of the first tip section, and the second tip includes a secondlight transmitting section extending laterally from a base of the secondtip section. In still another exemplary form, at least one of the firstdistal end of the first light guide and the second distal end of thesecond light guide includes an opening in fluid communication with asource of flowing air. In yet another exemplary form, the dental curinglight includes a third light guide in optical communication with atleast one light source in electrical communication with the electricalpower supply. Preferably, the third light guide directs light in adirection substantially perpendicular to the first light guide.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a dental curing light andrelated methods for using the dental curing light. The dental curingincludes an electrical power supply, and a light source in electricalcommunication with the electrical power supply. The curing light alsoincludes a light guide including a proximal section, a first distalsection extending from the proximal section, and a second distal sectionextending from the proximal section. The proximal section is in opticalcommunication with the light source, the first distal section and thesecond distal section. The first distal section has a first distal end,and the second distal section has a second distal end.

The curing light also includes a first light tip having a first baseconnected to the first distal end of the first distal section of thelight guide. The first light tip includes a first hollow tubular opaquebody having a first aperture for emitting light. The first bodycomprises a flexible material which retains shape in a bent conditionsuch that the first hollow body can be bent to emit light in a firstselected direction from the first aperture. The curing light alsoincludes a second light tip having a second base connected to the seconddistal end of the second distal section of the light guide. The secondlight tip includes a second hollow tubular opaque body having a secondaperture for emitting light. The second body comprises a flexiblematerial which retains shape in a bent condition such that the secondhollow body can be bent to emit light in a second selected directionfrom the second aperture.

Preferably, an outside diameter of the first light tip tapers inwardfrom the first base toward the first aperture, and an outside diameterof the second light tip tapers inward from the second base toward thesecond aperture. The tapered curing light tip adaptors (micro-flex tips)are sized to fit into the narrow area between tooth surfaces and to flexto create better access and patient comfort. Tip to composite surfacedistance is extremely important to the depth and rate of cure where evena six millimeter distance is extremely important. Current curing lighttip sizes are far too large and/or stiff to reach interproximally. Inone form, the electrical power supply, the light source and the proximalsection of the light guide are encased in a housing. In another form,the electrical power supply and the light source are encased in ahousing. The first light tip can by removably connected to the firstdistal end of the first distal section of the light guide, and thesecond light tip can be removably connected to the second distal end ofthe second distal section of the light guide. The tapered curing lighttip adaptors (micro-flex tips) are sized to fit into the narrow areabetween tooth surfaces and to flex to create better access and patientcomfort. Tip to composite surface distance is extremely important to thedepth and rate of cure where even a six millimeter distance is extremelyimportant. Current curing light tip sizes are far too large and/or stiffto reach interproximally.

The dental curing light can be used in a method for the restoration of atooth having a hollow cavity preparation in an interproximal surface ofthe tooth. In the method, a light-curable restorative material is placedin the cavity preparation, light is directed from the first light tip ofthe dental curing light at a buccal portion of the restorative materialin the cavity preparation, and light is directed simultaneously from thesecond light tip of the dental curing light at a lingual portion of therestorative material in the cavity preparation. In the method, the firstlight tip can be bent such that light can be directed at the buccalportion of the restorative material in the cavity preparation

In still another aspect, the invention provides a dental curing lightand related methods for using the dental curing light. The dental curinglight includes an electrical power supply, a first light guide inoptical communication with at least one light source in electricalcommunication with the electrical power supply, a second light guide inoptical communication with at least one light source in electricalcommunication with the electrical power supply, and a third light guidein optical communication with at least one light source in electricalcommunication with the electrical power supply. Preferably, the thirdlight guide directs light in a direction substantially perpendicular tothe first light guide, and the third light guide directs light in adirection substantially perpendicular to the second light guide. Thedental curing light may include a first light transmitting tip connectedto a first distal end of the first light guide, and a second lighttransmitting tip connected to a second distal end of the second lightguide wherein the first tip and the second tip are angled toward eachother.

In one exemplary form, the first light guide is in optical communicationwith a first light source in electrical communication with theelectrical power supply, and the second light guide is in opticalcommunication with a second light source in electrical communicationwith the electrical power supply, and the third light guide is inoptical communication with a third light source in electricalcommunication with the electrical power supply. Preferably, the firstlight source is located in a first distal end of the first light guide,and the second light source is located in a second distal end of thesecond light guide, and the third light source is located in a thirddistal end of the third light guide. The first light guide and thesecond light guide can be connected to a housing, and at least one ofthe first light guide and the second light guide can be movable withrespect to the housing. Preferably, the first light guide and the secondlight guide are both hinged to the housing for movement with respect tothe housing. In another exemplary form, a first light transmitting tipis connected to a first distal end of the first light guide, a secondlight transmitting tip connected to a second distal end of the secondlight guide, the first light guide and the second light guide arenormally biased into a relaxed position in which the first distal tipand the second distal tip are a first distance apart, and the firstlight guide and the second light guide have an outwardly flexed positionin which the first distal tip and the second distal tip are a seconddistance apart, the second distance being greater than the firstdistance. Preferably, the first distance is about 4 to about 15millimeters.

In another aspect, the invention provides a dental curing lightincluding a housing, an electrical power supply, and an elongated armextending from the housing. The arm has a distal section that terminatesin a distal end wherein the distal section and the distal end define anincluded angle of greater than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees. Thecuring light also includes a support having a base wall, a first wallextending from a first end of the base wall, and a spaced apart secondwall extending from a second end of the base wall. The base wall isconnected to the distal end of the arm. The curing light also includes afirst light source in electrical communication with the power supply.The first light source transmits light away from an inner surface of thebase wall. The curing light also includes a second light source inelectrical communication with the power supply wherein the second lightsource transmits light away from an inner surface of the first wall. Thecuring light also includes a third light source in electricalcommunication with the power supply wherein the third light sourcetransmits light away from an inner surface of the second wall. Theincluded angle can be about 30 degrees to about 150 degrees. Preferably,the included angle is 60 degrees to about 120 degrees. In one form, theincluded angle is about 90 degrees. The support can have a generallyU-shaped perimeter or a generally V-shaped perimeter.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a separator ring forseparating teeth and/or for creating adaptation pressure on aninterproximal dental matrix stabilizer and/or a dental matrix. Theseparator ring includes an elastic metallic body that terminates in apair of spaced apart clamping ends. The ends are dimensioned to separateteeth and/or create adaptation pressure on an interproximal dentalmatrix stabilizer and/or a dental matrix. The ends are translucent.

In one exemplary form, the ends include a first tip and a spaced apartsecond tip wherein the first tip is dimensioned to create adaptationpressure on the dental matrix and the second tip is dimensioned tocreate adaptation pressure on the interproximal dental matrixstabilizer. In another exemplary form, the ends have a configurationselected from the group consisting of J-shaped, L-shaped and V-shaped.In still another exemplary form, the body includes a pair of spacedapart legs that extend away from the body, each end is attached to oneof the legs, and the ends are removable from the elastic body. In yetanother exemplary form, the body includes a pair of spaced apart legsthat extend away from the body, each end is attached to one of the legs,each end includes a surface with a ridge, and the ridges are arranged ina facing relationship when the ends are attached to the legs.Preferably, the ridges are centrally located on the surface. Preferably,the ridges extend from one edge to an opposite edge of the surface. Theridges can be coplanar with the legs when the ends are attached to thelegs. In another exemplary form, the body includes a pair of spacedapart legs that extend away from the body, each end is attached to oneof the legs, and each end includes a concavity in a surface opposite thebody. In still another exemplary form, the body includes a pair ofspaced apart legs that extend away laterally from the body, each end isattached to one of the legs, and the body is circular. The body caninclude an arcuate cover.

In still another aspect, the invention provides a separator ring forseparating teeth and/or for creating adaptation pressure on aninterproximal dental matrix stabilizer and/or a dental matrix. Theseparator ring includes an elastic metallic body that terminates in afirst leg that extends away from the body and a second leg that extendsaway from the body wherein the first leg and the second leg are inspaced relationship. A first translucent clamping end is attached to thefirst leg; and a second translucent clamping end is attached to thesecond leg. The first end and the second end are dimensioned to separateteeth and/or create adaptation pressure on an interproximal dentalmatrix stabilizer and/or a dental matrix when the separator ring isinstalled between the teeth.

In one exemplary form, the first end is removable from the first leg,and the second end is removable from the second leg. In anotherexemplary form, the first leg extends away perpendicularly from thebody, and the second leg extends away perpendicularly from the body. Instill another exemplary form, the first end includes a first surfacewith a first ridge, the second end includes a second surface with asecond ridge, and the first ridge and the second ridge are arranged in afacing relationship when the first end is attached to the first leg andthe second end is attached to the second leg. The first ridge can becentrally located on the first surface, and the second ridge cam becentrally located on the second surface. Preferably, the first ridgeextends from one edge to an opposite edge of the first surface, and thesecond ridge extends from one edge to an opposite edge of the secondsurface. The first ridge can be coplanar with the first leg when thefirst end is attached to the first leg, and the second ridge can becoplanar with the second leg when the second end is attached to thesecond leg. The first end can include a concavity in a surface oppositethe body, and the second end can include a concavity in a surfaceopposite the body.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a kit for preparing a formfor filling a hollow cavity preparation in a tooth. The kit includes atleast one sectional dental matrix comprising a curved strip of material.The strip has a length from a first end to a second end sufficient toextend beyond a first vertical junction of the cavity preparation and asurface of the tooth and to extend beyond a second vertical junction ofthe cavity preparation and the surface of the tooth to create the formfor filling the cavity preparation. The strip has a horizontally concaveside surface and a horizontally convex side surface. The kit alsoincludes at least one separate dental matrix stabilizer including anelongated elastic body having a first end portion, a second opposite endportion, a middle portion connecting the first end portion and thesecond end portion, and a first side surface. The first side surface ofthe body includes a first outwardly extending protrusion on the firstend portion, and the first side surface of the body further includes asecond outwardly extending protrusion on the second end portion.

In the kit, the dental matrix can have has a first thickness between theconcave side surface and the convex side surface at a first planehorizontal to the strip that is less than a second thickness between theconcave side surface and the convex side surface at a second planehorizontal to the strip wherein the second plane is below the firstplane. The strip of the dental matrix can have a base portion and anupper portion integral with and extending upward from the base portion,wherein the horizontally concave side surface forming the base portionis not vertically concave, and the horizontally concave side surfaceforming the upper portion of the dental matrix is vertically concave.The strip of the dental matrix can have a base portion and an upperportion integral with and extending upward from the base portion, andstrip thickness between the concave side surface and the convex sidesurface at planes horizontal to the strip can decrease from lower toupper sections of the upper portion of the strip.

In the kit, the first end portion of the interproximal dental matrixstabilizer can include an area of material weakness extending toward thetop surface and extending toward the bottom surface and extending towarda first end surface of the body whereby the first end portion can beseparated into separate end members by application of a separation forceat the area of material weakness.

In one exemplary form, the kit includes a matrix removal tool selectedfrom the group consisting of pliers, tweezers or forceps. In anotherexemplary form, the kit includes more than one of the dental matrix, andat least two of the matrix are anatomically shaped for different teeth.In still another exemplary form, the kit includes more than one of thedental matrix, and at least two of the matrix are tooth specific fordifferent teeth. In yet another exemplary form, the kit includes morethan one of the dental matrix, and at least two of the matrix are toothtype specific for different teeth. In still another exemplary form, thekit includes more than one of the dental matrix, and at least two of thematrix are tooth surface specific for different tooth surfaces.

The kit may further include a separator ring for separating teeth and/orfor creating adaptation pressure on the dental matrix stabilizer and/orthe dental matrix. The separator ring comprises an elastic metallic bodythat terminates in a pair of spaced apart clamping ends. The clampingends are dimensioned to separate teeth and/or create adaptation pressureon the dental matrix stabilizer and/or the dental matrix. Preferably,the clamping ends are translucent.

The kit may further include a set of instructions for using the kit infilling the cavity preparation. The kit may further include a set ofinstructions for preparing the cavity preparation before using the kit.The set of instructions can be a disc (such as a DVD or CD) and/orprinted materials (such as a book). The set of instructions can be atooth preparation guide for preparing a cavity preparation according tothe invention or a guide for restoring a tooth using the method of theinvention. The kit can include more than one of the dental matrixstabilizer, and at least two of the dental matrix stabilizer are ofdifferent size. The kit can have a curing light.

In the kit, the first outwardly extending protrusion of the dentalmatrix stabilizer can be spaced inward from a first end surface of thebody of the dental matrix stabilizer, and the second outwardly extendingprotrusion of the dental matrix stabilizer can be spaced inward from asecond end surface of the body of the dental matrix stabilizer.Preferably, the body of the dental matrix stabilizer is translucent.Preferably, the material of the curved strip of the dental matrix istranslucent.

In one form of the kit, the dental matrix comprises a second curvedstrip of translucent material. The second strip can have a length from afirst end to a second end sufficient to extend beyond a first verticaljunction of a second cavity preparation in an adjacent tooth and asurface of the adjacent tooth and to extend beyond a second verticaljunction of the second cavity preparation and the surface of theadjacent tooth to create the form for filling the second cavitypreparation. The second strip can have a horizontally concave sidesurface and a horizontally convex side surface wherein the second curvedstrip is joined to the curved strip.

In another form of the kit, the dental matrix can have a second curvedstrip of translucent material wherein the second strip has a length froma first end to a second end sufficient to extend beyond a first verticaljunction of a second cavity preparation in an adjacent tooth and asurface of the adjacent tooth and to extend beyond a second verticaljunction of the second cavity preparation and the surface of theadjacent tooth to create the form for filling the second cavitypreparation. The second strip can have a horizontally concave sidesurface and a horizontally convex side surface wherein the second curvedstrip and/or the curved strip have at least one throughhole.

Therefore, it is one advantage of the invention to provide a singleload, injection molded class II preparation, matrixing and compositefilling technique and instruments.

It is another advantage of the invention to provide a unique translucentanatomic series of matrices and stabilizing instruments for class III,IV and VI composites.

It is still another advantage of the invention to provide a fullytranslucent matrix, separator and stabilizers (wedging action to replacewedge) that allows better vision (than metal matrices and separators)and full light curing access from occlusal and interproximal areas. Thislateral and or simultaneous curing of a class II composite is anintegral and unique feature of the invention. Heretofore the lightcuring has been based on curing from the occlusal (or chewing surface ofthe tooth) which requires several incremental layers.

It is yet another advantage of the invention to provide a fully anatomicsectional matrix and stabilizers.

It is still another advantage of the invention to provide a sectionaltranslucent anatomic dental matrix which allows for the restoration oftwo approximating teeth simultaneously, including a back to backversion. One of the two sectional matrices are designated as “back toback” and have a contact area specific cut out to allow a tightercontact. Non-limiting advantages are that there is only one thickness ofmaterial (e.g., Mylar™) between the approximating teeth which allows atighter contact area; and also to avoid collapsing or buckling of one ofthe two rounded matrices where one of the two matrices will invert andcreate an undesirable concavity on the outer surface. This situation isuniquely critical to a Mylar™ type matrix but will also be beneficial toa metal version of the matrix.

It is yet another advantage of the invention to provide a system toallow a completely convex surface to a filling in all axes. Previoussystems create flat spots and a lack of bulbousness to the outer surfaceof the filling that encourage bacterial colonization and food impactionwhich is a pervasive problem in dentistry today. A completely convexfilling surface that is naturally smooth from the resultant idealanatomic shape of the matrix has inherent health benefits because ofimproved self cleansing and better action and access for a toothbrushand floss. Once the composite is trimmed back to fit the tooth, thesurface loses its luster and smoothness and rarely is it polished backto the mirror like finish of composite that is injected against thesematrix and then left untouched.

It is still another advantage of the invention to provide a restorativeand matrix system to be tooth specific. Previous systems are classifiedsimply as anterior or posterior tooth specific. The system of theinvention, because it is truly anatomic, is specific to each tooth ortooth type. For example, in some instances it will be specific to themesial or distal (right side or left side of front teeth, front or backfor back teeth) of the tooth. This is important because teeth haveunique shapes that are specific to each tooth and each “side” of thetooth. For example the mesial of an upper incisor is significantlyflatter than the distal surface. Because of the specificity of thesystem this feature is required. Significant adaptation and forming ofgenerically shaped, non anatomic matrices is currently the standard.Because these conventional matrices do not fit the tooth precisely, timeand energy is spent to crimp and press the matrix to conform to thetooth. In addition to time and energy wasted, the crimping and wedgingcreate flat spots, indentations and other filling surface flaws.

It is yet another advantage of the invention to provide a system thathas matrices that are self adapting. Because the fit is natural withadvantages of saved time, energy for the clinician, and a filling with abetter, smoother, healthier, and more comfortable surface.

It is still another advantage of the invention to provide a method andinstruments for the restoration of a tooth where less finishing orremoval of excess restorative material is a feature because of anintimate adaptation to a tooth being restored by a matrix that allowsthe injection molding of restorative material to occur without excessextruding in areas that are difficult to access. Better final result andtimes savings are some results.

It is yet another advantage of the invention to provide a method, whenthere is deep decay or a previous filling that incorporates both theocclusal and interproximal surfaces, wherein the method is divided intothe occlusal first and then the interproximal surfaces last. In otherwords, the occlusal and deep interproximal are prepared and then filled.Then the interproximal is prepared or re-prepared with the ideal sauceror slice shape so that the cavity configuration will allow for the ideal“C factor” (cavity configuration factor) and so that is never deeperthan two millimeters in the axial dimension. Then the injection molding,single load technique can be utilized with the components of the systemof the invention.

It is still another advantage of the invention to provide a method andinstruments for the restoration of a tooth where feather and knife edgecavity margins are produced. Combined with the overall saucer shape ofthe cavity preparation, it creates a C Factor (cavity configurationfactor) that can be as small as 1/1 or 1. Typical C factors fortraditional class II cavity preparations are in the range of 2/1 or 3/1or higher. The higher the C factor, the greater the risk that areas ofcomposite will pull away from a tooth surface during polymerizationleaving a resulting gap; or creating stress to the tooth causing enamelfractures and/or post-operative symptoms.

It is yet another advantage of the invention to provide a method for therestoration of a posterior tooth having an original shape including atop surface and an interproximal surface. The unique preparation design,restorative protocol and kit for filling and finishing areinterdependent on each aspect to create a significant advancement inthis procedure. The final outcome is a tooth that will be less weakenedand therefore more fracture resistant. The C factor is mitigated, andmarginal integrity and filling strength are greatly improved with themethod.

It is still another advantage of the invention to provide a methodincluding simultaneously light curing of a bonding agent and a flowablecomposite and paste composite resin contained in the cavity preparation.Preferably, the curing light is simultaneously directed at the topsurface of the tooth, at a buccal portion of the interproximal surfaceof the tooth, and a lingual portion of the interproximal surface of thetooth. Buccal-Lingual curing of a Class II restoration is unique to thisadvancement, heretofore has been from largely from the occlusal.

It is yet another advantage of the invention to provide a method for therestoration of a tooth wherein the filled cavity preparation of theinterproximal area is injection molded rather than layered and thereforeseamless. Injection of the second and third components, flowablecomposite and paste composite into an existing pool of uncured andtherefore fluid environment allows consistent bubble and gap formation.

The combination of one or more features of the invention allows theradical departure from traditional class II composite preparations andfillings which have a significant failure rate, as high as 50% higherfailure rate than Class II silver amalgam fillings. (See, for example,Van Nieuwenhuysen et al., “Long-term evaluation of extensiverestorations in permanent teeth”, J. Dent. 2003, 31:395-405; and Sjogrenet al., “Survival time of class II molar restorations in relation topatient and dental health insurance costs for treatment”, Swed Dent J.2002, 26:59-66; and Mjor et al., “Placement and replacement ofrestorations in primary teeth. Acta Odontol Scand. 2002, 60:25-28.)

Although Class II composites have been performed for at least 25 years,the cavity form has maintained a “mechanical lock” created by undercutsthat physically retain the filling. This was a necessary design fornon-bonded silver amalgam. Unfortunately these “box” forms leaveweakened, undermined, vulnerable tooth structure and the tooth oftenbegins to fracture over time. Cracked and fractured teeth are now thethird leading cause of tooth loss in industrialized nations. It istherefore another advantage of the invention to provide an excellentseal and high surface area for enamel rod engagement. This overallsystem (tooth preparation, matrix system, injection molded fillingprocess) allows for a non mechanical undercut cavity and instead relieson adhesion to enamel rods (pores of the enamel opened up duringconditioning/etching of enamel) and the filling is retained with thesame robust and permanent adhesion enjoyed by cosmetic veneering offront teeth which have no mechanical retention, only enamel adhesion.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood upon consideration of thefollowing detailed description, drawings, and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of the light curing step of a tooth restorationmethod according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the matrix insertion step of themethod according to the invention.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the interproximal dental matrixstabilizer insertion step of the method according to the invention.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the ring separator insertion step ofthe method according to the invention.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the beginning of the light curingstep of the method according to the invention.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the light curing step of the methodaccording to the invention.

FIG. 8 is a detailed view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7 showing analternative separator ring according to the invention.

FIG. 9 is a top view of one embodiment of an interproximal dental matrixstabilizer according to the invention.

FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a dental matrix according tothe invention.

FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of another dental matrixaccording to the invention.

FIG. 12 is a top view of a light curing device according to theinvention.

FIG. 12A is a top view of another version of a light curing deviceaccording to the invention.

FIG. 12AA is a view of the light curing device of FIG. 12A taken alongline 12AA-12AA of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 12B is a top view of the light curing device of FIG. 12A showingthe light guides in phantom in their flexed position.

FIG. 12C is a top view of yet another version of a light curing deviceaccording to the invention.

FIG. 12D is a top view of still another version of a light curing deviceaccording to the invention.

FIG. 12E is a bottom view of yet another version of a light curingdevice according to the invention.

FIG. 12F is a side view of the light curing device of FIG. 12E.

FIG. 12G is a top view of yet another version of a light curing deviceaccording to the invention.

FIG. 12H is a side view of still another version of a light curingdevice according to the invention.

FIG. 12I is a view of the light curing device of FIG. 12H taken alongline 12I-12I of FIG. 12H.

FIG. 13 is a top view of another embodiment of an interproximal dentalmatrix stabilizer according to the invention.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the dental matrix of FIG. 10 takenalong line 14-14 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 15 is a top view of yet another embodiment of an interproximaldental matrix stabilizer according to the invention.

FIG. 15B is a top view of still another embodiment of an interproximaldental matrix stabilizer according to the invention.

FIG. 15C is a front view of the interproximal dental matrix stabilizerof FIG. 15B.

FIG. 15D is a top view of yet another embodiment of an interproximaldental matrix stabilizer according to the invention.

FIG. 15E is a front view of the interproximal dental matrix stabilizerof FIG. 15D.

FIG. 15F is a side view of the interproximal dental matrix stabilizer ofFIG. 15D.

FIG. 15G is a top view of still another embodiment of an interproximaldental matrix stabilizer according to the invention.

FIG. 15H is a front view of the interproximal dental matrix stabilizerof FIG. 15G.

FIG. 15I is a side view of the interproximal dental matrix stabilizer ofFIG. 15G.

FIG. 15J is a top view of yet another embodiment of an interproximaldental matrix stabilizer according to the invention.

FIG. 15K is a front view of the interproximal dental matrix stabilizerof FIG. 15J.

FIG. 15L is a side view of the interproximal dental matrix stabilizer ofFIG. 15J.

FIG. 15M is a top view of still another embodiment of an interproximaldental matrix stabilizer according to the invention.

FIG. 15N is a cross-sectional view of the interproximal dental matrixstabilizer of FIG. 15M taken along line 15N-15N of FIG. 15M.

FIG. 15O is a bottom view of the interproximal dental matrix stabilizerof FIG. 15M.

FIG. 15P is a side view of the interproximal dental matrix stabilizer ofFIG. 15M.

FIG. 15Q is a top view of yet another embodiment of an interproximaldental matrix stabilizer according to the invention.

FIG. 15R is a cross-sectional view of the interproximal dental matrixstabilizer of FIG. 15Q taken along line 15R-15R of FIG. 15Q.

FIG. 15S is a bottom view of the interproximal dental matrix stabilizerof FIG. 15Q.

FIG. 15T is a side view of the interproximal dental matrix stabilizer ofFIG. 15Q.

FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of another dental matrix according tothe invention.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the matrix of FIG. 16 taken alongline 17-17 of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the matrix of FIGS. 16 and 17 takenalong line 18-18 of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of yet another dental matrix accordingto the invention.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the matrix of FIG. 19 taken alongline 20-20 of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the matrix of FIGS. 19 and 20 takenalong line 21-21 of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 21, of yet anotherdental matrix according to the invention.

FIG. 23 is a top perspective view of still another dental matrixaccording to the invention.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the matrix of FIG. 23 taken alongline 24-24 of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the use of another alternativeseparator ring according to the invention.

FIG. 26 is a bottom view of the separator ring shown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a front view of the separator ring shown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 28 is a side view of the separator ring shown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 29 is a top view of three adjacent teeth having three differentcavity preparations.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of a tooth of FIG. 29 taken along line30-30 of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of a tooth of FIG. 29 taken along line31-31 of FIG. 29.

Like reference numerals will be used to refer to like parts from Figureto Figure in the following description of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning to FIGS. 1-8, there is shown various steps and devices in anexample method according to the invention for the restoration of atooth. In a first step, the dentist locates a tooth having a cavity.Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a tooth 12 having a top occlusalsurface 14 and an interproximal side surface 16. A hollow cavitypreparation 18 has been prepared in tooth 12. The hollow cavitypreparation 18 includes an inner surface 19, a side surface 20, anopposite side surface 21 and a bottom surface 22. Using the well knownclassification system developed by Dr. G. V. Black in 1908, this wouldbe a Class II cavity involving the interproximal side surface 16 and topocclusal surface 14 of tooth 12, which may be a premolar or molar.

The tools and techniques for removing a portion of the top surface 14 ofthe tooth 12 and a portion of the interproximal surface 16 of the tooth12 to form the hollow cavity preparation 18 are well known in the artand therefore will not be explained further. However, the Class IIcavity preparation 18 of FIG. 3 is saucer shaped when viewed from aboveand does not have the usual box-like shape of a conventional Class IIcavity preparation. Specifically, the ends 17 a, 17 b of the cavitypreparation 18 are not tangential to the tooth outside surface. Also,the cavity preparation 18 does not extend inward more than twomillimeters inward from the interproximal side surface 16.

After preparation of the saucer shaped Class II cavity preparation 18 inthe tooth 12 of FIG. 3, a wedge (not shown) is inserted between theinterproximal surface 16 of the tooth 12 and the interproximal surface26 of adjacent tooth 24 to create a gap between the tooth 12 and thetooth 24. Known wedges are suitable for this “pre-wedging” step. Thewedge is removed, and a sectional anatomic translucent anatomic dentalmatrix 30 is inserted between the tooth 12 and the tooth 24 as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4. The dental matrix 30 will be described in further detailbelow.

Looking at FIGS. 4 and 5, the clear plastic anatomical sectional matrix30 is placed around the tooth 12 maintaining anatomic root adaptationcontact using an interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48 according tothe invention. The interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48 will bedescribed in further detail below. A metallic elastic separator ring 78is then placed in the interproximal embrasure to create slight toothseparation and additional adaptation pressure on the interproximaldental matrix stabilizer 48 and/or the matrix 30.

The cavity preparation 18 in tooth 12 is then etched with liquid and/orgel phosphoric acid, about 2 millimeters past the margins. The cavitypreparation 18 in tooth 12 is then rinsed and dried. A lightly filled orunfilled light curable resin tooth bonding agent is then applied totooth 12 covering the entire cavity preparation 18 and about 0.5-1.5millimeters past the margins. The resin tooth bonding agent is then airthinned except on surface 22 where a small pool of resin tooth bondingagent is maintained. The resin tooth bonding agent is not light cured atthis point. Resin tooth bonding agents improve composite to enameland/or dentin bonding. One example resin tooth bonding agent isavailable under the tradename OptiBond Solo Plus®.

A light curable flowable composite resin is then injected directly intothe pool of resin tooth bonding agent (under magnification if possible)without incorporating bubbles. A tiny amount of the light curableflowable composite resin is expressed before placement to ensure thatthere is no air in the cannula. The light curable flowable composite andresin tooth bonding agent are not light cured at this point. Generally,light curable flowable composite resins contain 20-25 percent lessfiller in the light curable polymeric material than nonflowable pastematerials. Light curable flowable composite resins are available undertradenames such as Filtek™, Flow-It™, EsthetX®, Revolution®, AeliteFlo®,PermaFlo®, Dyract Flow®, Tetric®, and Heliomolar®. Light curable resinsare preferred as light cured resins are more color stable thanchemically cured resins.

A light curable paste composite resin is then extruded into the pool offlowable composite resin and resin tooth bonding agent without creatingair bubbles, allowing the composite resin to displace most of the lesserfilled flowable composite resin and resin tooth bonding agent (undermagnification if possible). Composite resins are available undertradenames such as 3M Z100™, 3M Filtek Supreme™, and Prodigy®. The nextsteps are burnishing, carving the anatomy and carving excess composite.There is no need to use a condenser or plugger.

The top occlusal surface 14 of the filled cavity preparation is thencured using a curing light such as high intensity light emitting diode(LED) lights, plasma-arc curing lights, halogen lights, and laserlights. The interproximal region of the filled cavity preparation iscured using a dental curing light 80 with a light guide having twoseparate distal sections that allow for simultaneous curing of thebuccal portion and the lingual portion of the filled cavity preparationwhile applying air cooling from an air syringe or one curing lightaccording to the invention. Thus, lateral light curing is used.Alternatively, two individual curing lights can be used. The separatorring 78 and interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48 are then removedand the simultaneous curing of the buccal portion and the lingualportion of the filled cavity preparation is then repeated using thedental curing light 80 that will be described in further detail below.The matrix 30 is then removed, and the restored tooth 12 is polishedwith discs, strips, and rubber tipped and carbide burs.

In cases where the cavity preparation 18 must extend inward more thanabout two millimeters from the interproximal side surface 16, analternative method may be used. In this alternative method, a basematerial, such as a flowable composite, a glass ionomer material or apaste composite resin, is first used to build up the restoration suchthat the cured base material is about two millimeters or less from thedesired restored tooth interproximal outside surface. However, the curedbase material does not extend to the edge of the cavity preparation 18in the tooth. A lightly filled or unfilled light curable resin toothbonding agent is then applied to the cured base material in the cavitypreparation 18 and about 0.5-1.5 millimeters past the margins. The resintooth bonding agent is then air thinned except on surface 22 where asmall pool of resin tooth bonding agent is maintained. The resin toothbonding agent is not light cured at this point.

A light curable flowable composite resin is then injected directly intothe pool of resin tooth bonding agent (under magnification if possible)without incorporating bubbles. A tiny amount of the light curableflowable composite resin is expressed before placement to ensure thatthere is no air in the cannula. The light curable flowable composite andresin tooth bonding agent are not light cured at this point. A lightcurable paste composite resin is then extruded into the pool of flowablecomposite resin and resin tooth bonding agent without creating airbubbles, allowing the composite resin to displace most of the lesserfilled flowable composite resin and resin tooth bonding agent (undermagnification if possible). The next steps are burnishing, carving theanatomy and carving excess composite. The light curing process thenproceeds as above.

An example embodiment of a sectional translucent anatomic dental matrix30 that can be used in the method of the invention will be now bedescribed in further detail. While the matrix 30 has been illustratedand described herein in the context of a Class II restoration, thematrix 30 and all other matrices described herein are also suitable forClass III and Class IV restorations. Looking at FIGS. 3 and 10, thedental matrix 30 includes a curved strip 32 of translucent material. Thedental matrix 30 can be formed from a translucent material such as apolymeric film. One non-limiting example material is the polyester filmcommercially available as Mylar™. The strip 32 has a length running froma first end 34 to a second end 36 of the dental matrix 30. The length ofthe dental matrix 30 is sufficient to extend beyond a first verticaljunction 23L of the interproximal cavity preparation 18 and aninterproximal surface 16 of the tooth 12 and to extend beyond a secondvertical junction 23R of the interproximal cavity preparation 18 and theinterproximal surface 16 of the tooth 12 to create the form for fillingthe interproximal cavity preparation 18.

The strip 32 of the dental matrix 30 has a horizontally concave sidesurface 38 and a horizontally convex side surface 40 (see FIG. 10). Theconcave side surface 38 and the convex side surface 40 extend from thefirst end 34 to the second end 36 of the dental matrix 30. The strip 32of the dental matrix 30 also has a base portion 42 and an upper portion44 integral with and extending upward from the base portion 42 of thedental matrix 30. The horizontally concave side surface 38 forming thebase portion 42 is not vertically concave (that is, a cross-section ofthe base portion 42 has parallel straight vertical walls that are normalto a bottom surface 46 of the dental matrix 30. The horizontally concaveside surface 38 forming the upper portion 44 of the dental matrix 30 isvertically concave. See FIG. 10. The horizontally concave side surface38 is anatomic in that the horizontally concave side surface 38 has aninner surface that that conforms to the shape of the outer surface ofthe region of the natural tooth being restored.

Preferably, the matrix 30 is anatomically shaped. The matrix 30 can betooth specific. By “tooth specific” it is meant that the matrix isconfigured to conform to the shape of the outer surface of the specificnatural tooth being restored such as (without limitation) an upper rightsecond molar. The matrix 30 can be tooth type specific. By “tooth typespecific” it is meant that the matrix is configured to conform to theshape of the outer surface of the specific type of natural tooth beingrestored such as (without limitation) an upper molar. The matrix 30 canbe tooth surface specific. By “tooth surface specific” it is meant thatthe matrix is configured to conform to the shape of the outer surface ofthe specific natural tooth surface being restored such as (withoutlimitation) an upper right first molar mesial surface.

Turning to FIG. 11, there is shown another embodiment of a sectionaltranslucent anatomic dental matrix 30A. In the dental matrix 30A, thestrip thickness between the concave side surface 38A and the convex sidesurface 40A at planes horizontal to the strip 32A decreases from lowerto upper sections of the strip 32A. Thus, the clear plastic anatomicalmatrix 30A has variable thickness to allow the thinner portion for thetooth contact area and the thicker portion at the gingival area. Thetapering (decrease in thickness) of the strip 32A can begin at anylocation above the bottom surface 46A of the strip 32A. However, in oneversion of the strip 32A, the tapering of thickness begins in the upperportion 44A. In other words, the base portion 42A has uniform thickness.The dental matrix 30A can be formed from a translucent material such asa polymeric film. One non-limiting example material is the polyesterfilm commercially available as Mylar™.

Turning to FIG. 14, there is shown yet another embodiment of a sectionaltranslucent anatomic dental matrix 30B. In the dental matrix 30B, thestrip 32B has a first side surface 38B and a second side surface 40B.The first side surface 38B has an intermediate horizontally convexsection 47B between a first horizontally concave section 49A and asecond horizontally concave section 49B. The intermediate horizontallyconvex section 47B provides contact with tooth surface that may haveinward furcation and/or fluting from decay due to the age of thepatient. The intermediate horizontally convex section 47B can begin atany location above the bottom surface of the strip 32B. The dentalmatrix 30B can be formed from a translucent material such as a polymericfilm. One non-limiting example material is the polyester filmcommercially available as Mylar™.

An example embodiment of an interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48that can be used in the method of the invention will be now be describedin further detail. Looking at FIGS. 4 and 9, the interproximal dentalmatrix stabilizer 48 includes an elongated translucent (preferablytransparent) elastic body 50 having a first end portion 51, a secondopposite end portion 52, a middle portion 53 connecting the first endportion 51 and the second end portion 52, a first side surface 54, asecond side surface 55, a top surface 56 and a bottom surface 57. Thefirst end portion 51 has a first throughhole 58 extending from the topsurface 56 to the bottom surface 57 of the interproximal dental matrixstabilizer 48. The second end portion 52 has a second throughhole 59extending from the top surface 56 to the bottom surface 57 of theinterproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48.

The first end portion 51 includes an area 61 of material weakness thatextends toward the top surface 56 and extends toward the bottom surface57 and extends toward a first end surface 62 of the body 50. The area 61of material weakness extends from the first throughhole 58 to the firstend surface 62 of the body 50. This allows the first end portion 51 tobe separated into separate end members 63, 64 by application of aseparation force at the area 61 of material weakness of theinterproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48. Preferably, end members 63,64 have a rectangular vertical cross-section. The area 61 of materialweakness can be formed with a material of lower shear strength than theother material of the dental matrix stabilizer 48, or can be formed byincluding perforations or other like open areas in the area 61 ofmaterial weakness.

The second end portion 52 includes an area 65 of material weakness thatextends toward the top surface 56 and extends toward the bottom surface57 and extends toward a second end surface 66 of the body 50. The area65 of material weakness extends from the second throughhole 59 to thesecond end surface 66 of the body 50. This allows the second end portion52 to be separated into separate end members 67,68 by application of aseparation force at the area 65 of material weakness of theinterproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48. Preferably, end members 67,68 have a rectangular vertical cross-section. The area 65 of materialweakness can be formed with a material of lower shear strength than theother material of the dental matrix stabilizer 48, or can be formed byincluding perforations or other like open areas in the area 65 ofmaterial weakness.

The top surface 56 of the body 50 of the interproximal dental matrixstabilizer 48 includes a first pair of upper side-by-side depressions 71f, 71 b in the middle portion 53 of the body 50, and the bottom surface57 of the body 50 includes a second pair of analogous lower side-by-sidedepressions (not shown) in the middle portion of the body. The firstpair of upper side-by-side depressions 71 f, 71 b include inwardlycurved inner surfaces 73 f, 73 b, and the second pair of lowerside-by-side depressions (not shown) include analogous inwardly curvedinner surfaces (not shown).

In the interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48, the first side surface54 of the body 50 includes a curved protrusion 75 f located near thefirst throughhole 58 and a curved protrusion 76 f located near thesecond throughhole 59. Likewise, the second side surface 55 of the body50 includes a curved protrusion 75 b located near the first throughhole58 and a curved protrusion 76 b located near the second throughhole 59.The interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48 can be formed from atranslucent (preferably transparent) elastomeric material such as asilicone elastomer or a polyurethane elastomer.

Turning to FIG. 13, there is shown another embodiment of aninterproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48A which includes an elongatedtranslucent (preferably transparent) elastic body 50A having a first endportion 51A, a second opposite end portion 52A, a middle portion 53Aconnecting the first end portion 51A and the second end portion 52A, afirst side surface 54A, a second side surface 55A, a top surface 56A anda bottom surface (not shown). The first end portion 51A has a firstthroughhole 58A extending from the top surface 56A to the bottom surfaceof the interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48A. The second endportion 52A has a second throughhole 59A extending from the top surface56A to the bottom surface of the interproximal dental matrix stabilizer48A.

The first end portion 51A includes an area 61A of material weakness thatextends toward the top surface 56A and extends toward the bottom surfaceand extends toward a first end surface 62A of the body 50A. The area 61Aof material weakness extends from the first throughhole 58A to the firstend surface 62A of the body 50A. This allows the first end portion 51Ato be separated into separate end members 63A, 64A by application of aseparation force at the area 61A of material weakness of theinterproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48A. Preferably, end members 63A,64A have a rectangular vertical cross-section.

The second end portion 52A includes an area 65A of material weaknessthat extends toward the top surface 56A and extends toward the bottomsurface and extends toward a second end surface 66A of the body 50A. Thearea 65A of material weakness extends from the second throughhole 59A tothe second end surface 66A of the body 50A. This allows the second endportion 52A to be separated into separate end members 67A, 68A byapplication of a separation force at the area 65A of material weaknessof the interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48A. Preferably, endmembers 67A, 68A have a rectangular vertical cross-section.

In the interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48A, the first sidesurface 54A of the body 50A includes a curved protrusion 75 f locatednear the first throughhole 58A and a curved protrusion 76 f located nearthe second throughhole 59A. Likewise, the second side surface 55A of thebody 50A includes a curved protrusion 75 b located near the firstthroughhole 58A and a curved protrusion 76 b located near the secondthroughhole 59A.

In interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48A, the first side surface54A of the body 50A includes a first curved protrusion 77 f located nearan intermediate vertical plane of the body 50A. Likewise, the secondside surface 55A of the body 50A includes a second curved protrusion 77b located near the intermediate vertical plane of the body 50A. Thecurved protrusions 77 f, 77 b are beneficial when used with dentalmatrix 30B having the intermediate horizontally convex section 47B thatprovides contact with tooth surface that may have inward decay due tothe age of the patient. The interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48Acan be formed from a translucent (preferably transparent) elastomericmaterial such as a silicone or polyurethane elastomer.

Turning to FIG. 15, there is shown another embodiment of aninterproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48B which includes an elongatedtranslucent (preferably transparent) elastic body 50B having a first endportion 51B, a second opposite end portion 52B, a middle portion 53Bconnecting the first end portion 51B and the second end portion 52B, afirst side surface 54B, a second side surface 55B, a top surface 56B anda bottom surface (not shown).

The first end portion 51B includes an area 61B of material weakness thatextends toward the top surface 56B and extends toward the bottom surfaceand extends toward a first end surface 62B of the body 50B. The area 61Bof material weakness extends from an inner portion of the first endportion 51B to the first end surface 62B of the body 50B. This allowsthe first end portion 51B to be separated into separate end members 63B,64B by application of a separation force at the area 61B of materialweakness of the interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48B. Preferably,end members 63B, 64B have a rectangular vertical cross-section.

The second end portion 52B includes an area 65B of material weaknessthat extends toward the top surface 56B and extends toward the bottomsurface and extends toward a second end surface 66B of the body 50B. Thearea 65B of material weakness extends from an inner portion of thesecond end portion 52B to the second end surface 66B of the body 50B.This allows the second end portion 52B to be separated into separate endmembers 67B, 68B by application of a separation force at the area 65B ofmaterial weakness of the interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48B.Preferably, end members 67B, 68B have a rectangular verticalcross-section.

In the interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48B, the first sidesurface 54B of the body 50B includes a curved protrusion 75 f and acurved protrusion 76 f. Likewise, the second side surface 55B of thebody 50B includes a curved protrusion 75 b and a curved protrusion 76 b.

In interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48B, the first side surface54B of the body 50B includes a first curved protrusion 77 f located nearan intermediate vertical plane of the body 50B. Likewise, the secondside surface 55B of the body 50B includes a second curved protrusion 77b located near the intermediate vertical plane of the body 50B. Thecurved protrusions 77 f, 77 b are beneficial when used with dentalmatrix 30B having the intermediate horizontally convex section 47B thatprovides contact with tooth surface that may have inward decay due tothe age of the patient. The interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48Bcan be formed from a translucent (preferably transparent) elastomericmaterial such as a silicone or polyurethane elastomer.

Turning now to FIGS. 15B and 15C, there is shown yet another embodimentof an interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48 d which includes anelongated translucent (preferably transparent) elastic body 50 d havinga first end portion 51 d, a second opposite end portion 52 d, a middleportion 53 d connecting the first end portion 51 d and the second endportion 52 d, a first side surface 54 d, a second side surface 55 d, atop surface 56 d and a bottom surface 57 d. The first end portion 51 dextends to a first end surface 62 d of the body 50 d. The second endportion 52 d extends to a second end surface 66 d of the body 50 d. Thetop surface 56 d may include indicia 65 d that indicate which side isplaced upward away from the gingival during use.

In the interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48 d, the first sidesurface 54 d of the body 50 d includes a curved protrusion 75 f and acurved protrusion 76 f. Likewise, the second side surface 55 d of thebody 50 d includes a curved protrusion 75 b and a curved protrusion 76b.

In interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48 d, the first side surface54 d of the body 50 d includes a first curved protrusion 77 f locatednear an intermediate vertical plane of the body 50 d. Likewise, thesecond side surface 55 d of the body 50 d includes a second curvedprotrusion 77 b located near the intermediate vertical plane of the body50 d. The curved protrusions 77 f, 77 b are beneficial when used withdental matrix 30B having the intermediate horizontally convex section47B that provides contact with tooth surface that may have inward decaydue to the age of the patient. The interproximal dental matrixstabilizer 48 d can be formed from a translucent (preferablytransparent) elastomeric material such as a silicone or polyurethaneelastomer.

The top surface 56 d of the body 50 d of the interproximal dental matrixstabilizer 48 d includes a first pair of upper side-by-side depressions171 f, 171 b in the middle portion 53 d of the body 50 d. The first pairof upper side-by-side depressions 171 f, 171 b include inwardly curvedinner surfaces 173 f, 173 b. The bottom surface 57 d of the body 50 d ofthe interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48 d includes a lowerconcavity 171L in the middle portion 53 d of the body 50 d. The lowerconcavity 171L limits the application of undesired pressure on theinterdental gingival when the interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48d is positioned between a patient's teeth.

Turning now to FIGS. 15D to 15F, there is shown another embodiment of aninterproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48 e which includes an elongatedtranslucent (preferably transparent) elastic body 50 e having a discshaped first end portion 51 e, a disc shaped second opposite end portion52 e, a middle portion 53 e connecting the first end portion 51 e andthe second end portion 52 e, a first side surface 54 e, a second sidesurface 55 e, a top surface 56 e and a bottom surface 57 e. The firstend portion 51 e extends to a first end surface 58 e of the body 50 e.The second end portion 52 e extends to a second end surface 59 e of thebody 50 e. The interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48 e can be formedfrom a translucent (preferably transparent) elastomeric material such asa silicone or polyurethane elastomer.

In the interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48 e, the middle portion53 e includes a generally rectangular (in vertical cross-section) firstsection 61 e, a first intermediate section 62 e, a central rod-likesection 63 e, a second intermediate section 64 e, and a generallyrectangular (in vertical cross-section) second section 65 e. As shown inthe top view of FIG. 15D, the section of the first side surface 54 ethat is part of the first section 61 e extends linearly inward from thefirst end portion 51 e to the first intermediate section 62 e. Thesection of the first side surface 54 e that is part of the firstintermediate section 62 e extends in an outward arcuate manner from thefirst section 61 e and then back inward in an arcuate manner to thecentral section 63 e which is tapered inward near its center. Thesection of the first side surface 54 e that is part of the secondsection 65 e extends inward linearly from the second end portion 52 e tothe second intermediate section 64 e. The section of the first sidesurface 54 e that is part of the second intermediate section 64 eextends in an outward arcuate manner from the second section 65 e andthen back inward in an arcuate manner to the central section 63 e.

Likewise, the section of the second side surface 55 e that is part ofthe first section 61 e extends linearly inward from the first endportion 51 e to the first intermediate section 62 e. The section of thesecond side surface 55 e that is part of the first intermediate section62 e extends in an outward arcuate manner from the first section 61 eand then back inward in an arcuate manner to the central section 63 ewhich is tapered inward near its center. The section of the second sidesurface 55 e that is part of the second section 65 e extends inwardlinearly from the second end portion 52 e to the second intermediatesection 64 e. The section of the second side surface 55 e that is partof the second intermediate section 64 e extends in an outward arcuatemanner from the second section 65 e and then back inward in an arcuatemanner to the central section 63 e.

As shown in the side view of FIG. 15E, the section of the top surface 56e that is part of the first section 61 e extends linearly inward fromthe first end portion 51 e to the first intermediate section 62 e andthrough part of the first intermediate section 62 e. The section of thetop surface 56 e that is part of the inward section of the firstintermediate section 62 e extends inward in an arcuate manner to thecentral section 63 e which is tapered inward near its center. Thesection of the top surface 56 e that is part of the second section 65 eextends linearly inward from the second end portion 52 e to the secondintermediate section 64 e and through part of the second intermediatesection 64 e. The section of the top surface 56 e that is part of theinward section of the second intermediate section 64 e extends inward inan arcuate manner to the central section 63 e.

Likewise, the section of the bottom surface 57 e that is part of thefirst section 61 e extends linearly inward from the first end portion 51e to the first intermediate section 62 e and through part of the firstintermediate section 62 e. The section of the bottom surface 57 e thatis part of the inward section of the first intermediate section 62 eextends inward in an arcuate manner to the central section 63 e which istapered inward near its center. The section of the bottom surface 57 ethat is part of the second section 65 e extends linearly inward from thesecond end portion 52 e to the second intermediate section 64 e andthrough part of the second intermediate section 64 e. The section of thebottom surface 57 e that is part of the inward section of the secondintermediate section 64 e extends inward in an arcuate manner to thecentral section 63 e.

The body 50 e includes an area 66 e of material weakness that extendstoward the top surface 56 e and extends toward the bottom surface 57 eand extends to the first end surface 58 e of the body 50 e. The area 66e of material weakness extends from an inner portion of the firstintermediate section 62 e to the first end surface 58 e of the body 50e. This allows the first end portion 51 e, the first section 61 e andpart of the first intermediate section 62 e to be separated intoseparate end members by application of a separation force at the area 66e of material weakness of the interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48e. Likewise, the body 50 e includes an area 67 e of material weaknessthat extends toward the top surface 56 e and extends toward the bottomsurface 57 e and extends to the second end surface 59 e of the body 50e. The area 67 e of material weakness extends from an inner portion ofthe second intermediate section 64 e to the second end surface 59 e ofthe body 50 e. This allows the second end portion 52 e, the secondsection 65 e and part of the second intermediate section 64 e to beseparated into separate end members by application of a separation forceat the area 67 e of material weakness of the interproximal dental matrixstabilizer 48 e.

Turning now to FIGS. 15G to 15I, there is shown another embodiment of aninterproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48 f which includes an elongatedtranslucent (preferably transparent) elastic body 50 f having a discshaped first end portion 51 f, a disc shaped second opposite end portion52 f, a middle portion 53 f connecting the first end portion 51 f andthe second end portion 52 f, a first side surface 54 f, a second sidesurface 55 f, a top surface 56 f and a bottom surface 57 f. The firstend portion 51 f extends to a first end surface 58 f of the body 50 f.The second end portion 52 f extends to a second end surface 59 f of thebody 50 f. The interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48 f can be formedfrom a translucent (preferably transparent) elastomeric material such asa silicone or polyurethane elastomer.

In the interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48 f, the middle portion53 f includes a generally rectangular (in vertical cross-section) firstsection 61 f, a first intermediate section 62 f, a central section 63 f,a second intermediate section 64 f, and a generally rectangular (invertical cross-section) second section 65 f. As shown in the top view ofFIG. 15G, the section of the first side surface 54 f that is part of thefirst section 61 f extends linearly inward from the first end portion 51f to the first intermediate section 62 f. The section of the first sidesurface 54 f that is part of the first intermediate section 62 f extendsin an outward arcuate manner from the first section 61 f and then backinward in an arcuate manner to the central section 63 f which hascylindrical end sections 163 f, 363 f on both sides of a generallyspherical center section 263 f. The section of the first side surface 54f that is part of the second section 65 f extends inward linearly fromthe second end portion 52 f to the second intermediate section 64 f. Thesection of the first side surface 54 f that is part of the secondintermediate section 64 f extends in an outward arcuate manner from thesecond section 65 f and then back inward in an arcuate manner to thecentral tubular section 63 f.

Likewise, the section of the second side surface 55 f that is part ofthe first section 61 f extends linearly inward from the first endportion 51 f to the first intermediate section 62 f. The section of thesecond side surface 55 f that is part of the first intermediate section62 f extends in an outward arcuate manner from the first section 61 fand then back inward in an arcuate manner to the central section 63 fwhich has cylindrical end sections 163 f, 363 f on both sides of agenerally spherical center section 263 f. The section of the second sidesurface 55 f that is part of the second section 65 f extends inwardlinearly from the second end portion 52 f to the second intermediatesection 64 f. The section of the second side surface 55 f that is partof the second intermediate section 64 f extends in an outward arcuatemanner from the second section 65 f and then back inward in an arcuatemanner to the central tubular section 63 f.

As shown in the side view of FIG. 15H, the section of the top surface 56f that is part of the first section 61 f extends linearly inward fromthe first end portion 51 f to the first intermediate section 62 f andthrough part of the first intermediate section 62 f. The section of thetop surface 56 f that is part of the inward section of the firstintermediate section 62 f extends inward in an arcuate manner to thecentral tubular section 63 f. The section of the top surface 56 f thatis part of the second section 65 f extends linearly inward from thesecond end portion 52 f to the second intermediate section 64 f andthrough part of the second intermediate section 64 f. The section of thetop surface 56 f that is part of the inward section of the secondintermediate section 64 f extends inward in an arcuate manner to thecentral tubular section 63 f.

Likewise, the section of the bottom surface 57 f that is part of thefirst section 61 f extends linearly inward from the first end portion 51f to the first intermediate section 62 f and through part of the firstintermediate section 62 f. The section of the bottom surface 57 f thatis part of the inward section of the first intermediate section 62 fextends inward in an arcuate manner to the central tubular section 63 f.The section of the bottom surface 57 f that is part of the secondsection 65 f extends linearly inward from the second end portion 52 f tothe second intermediate section 64 f and through part of the secondintermediate section 64 f. The section of the bottom surface 57 f thatis part of the inward section of the second intermediate section 64 fextends inward in an arcuate manner to the central tubular section 63 f.

The body 50 f includes an area 66 f of material weakness that extendstoward the top surface 56 f and extends toward the bottom surface 57 fand extends to the first end surface 58 f of the body 50 f. The area 66f of material weakness extends from an inner portion of the firstintermediate section 62 f to the first end surface 58 f of the body 50f. This allows the first end portion 51 f, the first section 61 e andpart of the first intermediate section 62 f to be separated intoseparate end members by application of a separation force at the area 66f of material weakness of the interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48f. Likewise, the body 50 f includes an area 67 f of material weaknessthat extends toward the top surface 56 f and extends toward the bottomsurface 57 f and extends to the second end surface 59 f of the body 50f. The area 67 f of material weakness extends from an inner portion ofthe second intermediate section 64 f to the second end surface 59 f ofthe body 50 f. This allows the second end portion 52 f, the secondsection 65 f and part of the second intermediate section 64 f to beseparated into separate end members by application of a separation forceat the area 67 f of material weakness of the interproximal dental matrixstabilizer 48 f.

Turning now to FIGS. 15J to 15L, there is shown another embodiment of aninterproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48 g which includes an elongatedtranslucent (preferably transparent) elastic body 50 g having a discshaped first end portion 51 g, a disc shaped second opposite end portion52 g, a middle portion 53 g connecting the first end portion 51 g andthe second end portion 52 g, a first side surface 54 g, a second sidesurface 55 g, a top surface 56 g and a bottom surface 57 g. The firstend portion 51 g extends to a first end surface 58 g of the body 50 g.The second end portion 52 g extends to a second end surface 59 g of thebody 50 g. The interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48 g can be formedfrom a translucent (preferably transparent) elastomeric material such asa silicone or polyurethane elastomer.

In the interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48 g, the middle portion53 g includes a generally cylindrical first section 61 g, a firstspherical intermediate section 62 g, a central cylindrical section 63 g,a second spherical intermediate section 64 g, and a generallycylindrical second section 65 g.

Turning now to FIGS. 15M to 15P there is shown another embodiment of aninterproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48 h which includes an elongatedtranslucent (preferably transparent) elastic body 50 h having agenerally disc shaped first end portion 51 h, a generally disc shapedsecond opposite end portion 52 h, a middle portion 53 h connecting thefirst end portion 51 h and the second end portion 52 h, a first sidesurface 54 h, a second side surface 55 h, a top surface 56 h and abottom surface 57 h. The first end portion 51 h extends to a first endsurface 58 h of the body 50 h. The second end portion 52 h extends to asecond end surface 59 h of the body 50 h. The interproximal dentalmatrix stabilizer 48 h can be formed from a translucent (preferablytransparent) elastomeric material such as a silicone or polyurethaneelastomer.

In the interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48 h, the middle portion53 h includes a generally rectangular (in vertical cross-section) firstsection 61 h, a first intermediate section 62 h, a central rod-likesection 63 h, a second intermediate section 64 h, and a generallyrectangular (in vertical cross-section) second section 65 h. As shown inthe top view of FIG. 15M, the section of the first side surface 54 hthat is part of the first section 61 h extends linearly inward from thefirst end portion 51 h to the first intermediate section 62 h. Thesection of the first side surface 54 h that is part of the firstintermediate section 62 h extends in an outward arcuate manner from thefirst section 61 h and then back inward in an arcuate manner to thecentral section 63 h which is tapered inward near its center. Thesection of the first side surface 54 h that is part of the secondsection 65 h extends inward linearly from the second end portion 52 h tothe second intermediate section 64 h. The section of the first sidesurface 54 h that is part of the second intermediate section 64 hextends in an outward arcuate manner from the second section 65 h andthen back inward in an arcuate manner to the central section 63 h.

Likewise, the section of the second side surface 55 h that is part ofthe first section 61 h extends linearly inward from the first endportion 51 h to the first intermediate section 62 h. The section of thesecond side surface 55 h that is part of the first intermediate section62 h extends in an outward arcuate manner from the first section 61 hand then back inward in an arcuate manner to the central section 63 hwhich is tapered inward near its center. The section of the second sidesurface 55 h that is part of the second section 65 h extends inwardlinearly from the second end portion 52 h to the second intermediatesection 64 h. The section of the second side surface 55 h that is partof the second intermediate section 64 h extends in an outward arcuatemanner from the second section 65 h and then back inward in an arcuatemanner to the central section 63 h.

As shown in the side view of FIG. 15N, the section of the top surface 56h that is part of the first section 61 h extends linearly inward fromthe first end portion 51 h to the first intermediate section 62 h andthrough part of the first intermediate section 62 h. The section of thetop surface 56 h that is part of the inward section of the firstintermediate section 62 h extends inward in an arcuate manner to thecentral section 63 e which is tapered inward near its center. Thesection of the top surface 56 h that is part of the second section 65 hextends linearly inward from the second end portion 52 h to the secondintermediate section 64 h and through part of the second intermediatesection 64 h. The section of the top surface 56 h that is part of theinward section of the second intermediate section 64 h extends inward inan arcuate manner to the central section 63 h.

Likewise, the section of the bottom surface 57 h that is part of thefirst section 61 h extends linearly inward from the first end portion 51h to the first intermediate section 62 h and through part of the firstintermediate section 62 h. The section of the bottom surface 57 h thatis part of the inward section of the first intermediate section 62 hextends inward in an arcuate manner to the central section 63 h which istapered inward near its center. The section of the bottom surface 57 hthat is part of the second section 65 h extends linearly inward from thesecond end portion 52 h to the second intermediate section 64 h andthrough part of the second intermediate section 64 h. The section of thebottom surface 57 h that is part of the inward section of the secondintermediate section 64 e extends inward in an arcuate manner to thecentral section 63 h.

The body 50 h includes an area 66 h of material weakness that extendstoward the top surface 56 h and extends toward the bottom surface 57 hand extends to the first end surface 58 h of the body 50 h. The area 66h of material weakness extends from an inner portion of the firstintermediate section 62 h to the first end surface 58 h of the body 50h. This allows the first end portion 51 h, the first section 61 h andpart of the first intermediate section 62 h to be separated intoseparate end members by application of a separation force at the area 66h of material weakness of the interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48h. Likewise, the body 50 h includes an area 67 h of material weaknessthat extends toward the top surface 56 h and extends toward the bottomsurface 57 h and extends to the second end surface 59 h of the body 50h. The area 67 h of material weakness extends from an inner portion ofthe second intermediate section 64 h to the second end surface 59 h ofthe body 50 h. This allows the second end portion 52 h, the secondsection 65 h and part of the second intermediate section 64 h to beseparated into separate end members by application of a separation forceat the area 67 h of material weakness of the interproximal dental matrixstabilizer 48 h.

In the interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48 h, there is an inwardconcavity 71 h in the bottom surface 57 h in an inward section of thefirst intermediate section 62 h, the central section 63 h, and an inwardsection of the second intermediate section 64 h. The inward concavity 71h has a longitudinal axis X and a lateral axis Y transverse to thelongitudinal axis X. The longitudinal axis X extend toward the first endportion 51 h and the second end portion 52 h. The longitudinal axis X islonger than the lateral axis Y. The 71 h limits the application ofundesired pressure on the interdental gingival when the interproximaldental matrix stabilizer 48 h is positioned between a patient's teeth.Also, the first end portion 51 h has a flat bottom surface 76 h, and thesecond end portion 52 h has a flat bottom surface 77 h.

Turning now to FIGS. 15Q to 15T, there is shown another embodiment of aninterproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48 i which includes an elongatedtranslucent (preferably transparent) elastic body 50 i having agenerally disc shaped first end portion 51 i, a generally disc shapedsecond opposite end portion 52 i, a middle portion 53 i connecting thefirst end portion 51 i and the second end portion 52 i, a first sidesurface 54 i, a second side surface 55 i, a top surface 56 i and abottom surface 57 i. The first end portion 51 i extends to a first endsurface 58 i of the body 50 i. The second end portion 52 i extends to asecond end surface 59 i of the body 50 i. The interproximal dentalmatrix stabilizer 48 i can be formed from a translucent (preferablytransparent) elastomeric material such as a silicone or polyurethaneelastomer.

In the interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48 i, the middle portion53 i includes a generally rectangular (in vertical cross-section) firstsection 61 i, a first intermediate section 62 i, a central section 63 i,a second intermediate section 64 i, and a generally rectangular (invertical cross-section) second section 65 i. As shown in the top view ofFIG. 15Q, the section of the first side surface 54 i that is part of thefirst section 61 i extends linearly inward from the first end portion 51i to the first intermediate section 62 i. The section of the first sidesurface 54 i that is part of the first intermediate section 62 i extendsin an outward arcuate manner from the first section 61 i and then backinward in an arcuate manner to the central section 63 i which hascylindrical end sections 163 i, 363 i on both sides of a generallyspherical center section 263 i. The section of the first side surface 54i that is part of the second section 65 i extends inward linearly fromthe second end portion 52 i to the second intermediate section 64 i. Thesection of the first side surface 54 i that is part of the secondintermediate section 64 i extends in an outward arcuate manner from thesecond section 65 i and then back inward in an arcuate manner to thecentral tubular section 63 i.

Likewise, the section of the second side surface 55 i that is part ofthe first section 61 i extends linearly inward from the first endportion 51 i to the first intermediate section 62 i. The section of thesecond side surface 55 i that is part of the first intermediate section62 i extends in an outward arcuate manner from the first section 61 iand then back inward in an arcuate manner to the central section 63 iwhich has cylindrical end sections 163 i, 363 i on both sides of agenerally spherical center section 263 i. The section of the second sidesurface 55 i that is part of the second section 65 i extends inwardlinearly from the second end portion 52 i to the second intermediatesection 64 i. The section of the second side surface 55 i that is partof the second intermediate section 64 i extends in an outward arcuatemanner from the second section 65 i and then back inward in an arcuatemanner to the central tubular section 63 i.

As shown in the side view of FIG. 15R, the section of the top surface 56i that is part of the first section 61 i extends linearly inward fromthe first end portion 51 i to the first intermediate section 62 i andthrough part of the first intermediate section 62 i. The section of thetop surface 56 i that is part of the inward section of the firstintermediate section 62 i extends inward in an arcuate manner to thecentral tubular section 63 i. The section of the top surface 56 i thatis part of the second section 65 i extends linearly inward from thesecond end portion 52 i to the second intermediate section 64 i andthrough part of the second intermediate section 64 i. The section of thetop surface 56 i that is part of the inward section of the secondintermediate section 64 i extends inward in an arcuate manner to thecentral tubular section 63 i.

Likewise, the section of the bottom surface 57 i that is part of thefirst section 61 i extends linearly inward from the first end portion 51i to the first intermediate section 62 i and through part of the firstintermediate section 62 i. The section of the bottom surface 57 i thatis part of the inward section of the first intermediate section 62 iextends inward in an arcuate manner to the central tubular section 63 i.The section of the bottom surface 57 i that is part of the secondsection 65 i extends linearly inward from the second end portion 52 i tothe second intermediate section 64 i and through part of the secondintermediate section 64 i. The section of the bottom surface 57 i thatis part of the inward section of the second intermediate section 64 iextends inward in an arcuate manner to the central tubular section 63 i.

The body 50 i includes an area 66 i of material weakness that extendstoward the top surface 56 i and extends toward the bottom surface 57 iand extends to the first end surface 58 i of the body 50 i. The area 66i of material weakness extends from an inner portion of the firstintermediate section 62 i to the first end surface 58 i of the body 50i. This allows the first end portion 51 i, the first section 61 i andpart of the first intermediate section 62 i to be separated intoseparate end members by application of a separation force at the area 66i of material weakness of the interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48i. Likewise, the body 50 i includes an area 67 i of material weaknessthat extends toward the top surface 56 i and extends toward the bottomsurface 57 i and extends to the second end surface 59 i of the body 50i. The area 67 i of material weakness extends from an inner portion ofthe second intermediate section 64 i to the second end surface 59 i ofthe body 50 i. This allows the second end portion 52 i the secondsection 65 i and part of the second intermediate section 64 i to beseparated into separate end members by application of a separation forceat the area 67 i of material weakness of the interproximal dental matrixstabilizer 48 i.

In the interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48 i, there is an inwardconcavity 71 i in the bottom surface 57 i in an inward section of thefirst intermediate section 62 i, the central section 63 i, and an inwardsection of the second intermediate section 64 i. The 71 i limits theapplication of undesired pressure on the interdental gingival when theinterproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48 h is positioned between apatient's teeth. Also, the first end portion 51 i has a flat bottomsurface 76 i, and the second end portion 52 i has a flat bottom surface77 i.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-8, the placement of the interproximal dentalmatrix stabilizer 48 is shown during a method according to the inventionfor the restoration of a tooth. After the dental matrix 30 is positionedas shown in FIG. 4, the dentist stretches the dental matrix stabilizer48 in directions A and B shown in FIG. 4. The dental matrix stabilizer48 can be stretched by inserting the ends of a pliers in the firstthroughhole 58 and the second throughhole 59 of the dental matrixstabilizer 48 and opening the ends of the pliers. Alternatively, thedentist can grab and pull apart the end portions 51 and 52 of the dentalmatrix stabilizer 48 in directions A and B shown in FIG. 4. Thestretching of the dental matrix stabilizer 48 leads to a thinning of themiddle portion 53 of the dental matrix stabilizer 48 such that thedental matrix stabilizer 48 can be inserted between teeth 12 and 24 bymovement in direction C of FIG. 4. The dental matrix stabilizer 48 thenbiases the base portion 42 of the dental matrix 30 against the tooth 12as shown in FIG. 5.

After the dental matrix stabilizer 48 is placed against the base portion42 of the dental matrix 30, the dentist separates the first end portion51 of the dental matrix stabilizer 48 into separate end members 63, 64by application of a separation force at the area 61 of material weaknessof the interproximal dental matrix stabilizer 48. Likewise, the dentistseparates the second end portion 52 of the dental matrix stabilizer 48into separate end members 67,68 by application of a separation force atthe area 65 of material weakness of the interproximal dental matrixstabilizer 48. The dentist then flexes the separator ring 78 open andthen places the ends 79 of the separator ring 78 between the separateend members 63, 64 and separate end members 67,68 of the dental matrixstabilizer 48 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. As shown in FIG. 7, the endmember 63 biases the base portion 42 of the dental matrix 30 against thetooth 12 and the end member 64 contacts the base of the tooth 24. In asimilar manner, the end member 67 biases the base portion 42 of thedental matrix 30 against the tooth 12 and the end member 68 contacts thebase of the tooth 24. Optionally, two separator rings can be used withone separator ring applying adaptation pressure on the dental matrix 30and the other separator ring applying adaptation pressure on the dentalmatrix stabilizer.

The dental matrix stabilizers 48A, 48B, 48 d, 48 e, 48 f, 48 g, 48 h canbe placed in a similar manner. For example, no pliers is needed forplacing dental matrix stabilizer 48B of FIG. 15 as the dentist can graband pull apart the end portions 51B and 52B of the dental matrixstabilizer 48B in directions A and B shown in FIG. 4 when placing dentalmatrix stabilizer 48B. Also, the areas of material weakness 61, 61A,61B, 65, 65A, 65B of the interproximal dental matrix stabilizers 48, 48Aand 48B may not be present in the interproximal dental matrixstabilizers 48, 48A and 48B. In these embodiments, the dentist canseparate the first end portion and the second end portion of the dentalmatrix stabilizers 48, 48A, 48B into separate end members (if desired)by cutting along a line marked at 61 and 65 in FIG. 9.

Looking at FIG. 8, alternative ends 79A, 79A2, 79B, are shown on aseparator ring 78A having an elastic ring 79C. The ends 79A, 79A2, 79B,of separator ring 78A are spaced apart such that end 79B can be placedbetween the separate end members 63, 64 of the dental matrix stabilizer48 and the end 79A can bias the upper portion 44 of the dental matrix 30and the end 79A2 can bias the tooth 24 when the separator ring 78A isplaced on the dental matrix stabilizer 48. Preferably, the ends 79A,79A2, 79B of separator ring 78A are formed from a translucent(preferably transparent) material to provide for passage of light fromthe dental curing light 80. The elastic ring 79C of the separator ring78A can be opaque or translucent. Suitable materials for the ends 79A,79A2, 79B of the separator ring 78A are elastic polymeric materials andsuitable materials for the ring 79C of the separator ring 78A arepolymeric, metallic or composite materials. In one embodiment, the ends79A, 79A2, 79B of separator ring 78A have a recess 79D that accepts aprotrusion 79E of the elastic ring 79C in an interference fit such thatthe ends 79A, 79A2, 79B of separator ring 78A are removable from theelastic ring 79C. While the ends 79A, 79A2, 79B of the separator ring78A are shown having a generally J-shaped or L-shaped configuration inFIG. 8, the ends 79A, 79A2, 79B can also have a V-shaped configuration,or any other spaced apart configuration that allows for the applicationof force to end members of the dental matrix stabilizers 48, 48A, 48Band to the upper portion 44 of the dental matrix 30 when the separatorring 78A is placed on the dental matrix stabilizer.

An example dental curing light 80 used in the method of the inventionwill be now be described in further detail. Looking at FIG. 12, there isshown a dental curing light 80 according to the invention. The dentalcuring light 80 includes an electrical power supply (not shown) and alight source (not shown) in electrical communication with the electricalpower supply. The light source can be a high intensity light emittingdiode as is known in the art. The dental curing light 80 uses thetypical 400-500 nanometer wavelength that is used in curing lightcurable composite materials. Single wavelength devices are preferred.The dental curing light 80 includes a light guide including a proximalsection 82, a first distal section 84 extending from the proximalsection 84, and a second distal section 86 extending from the proximalsection 82. The proximal section 82 is in optical communication with thelight source, the first distal section 84 and the second distal section86. The first distal section 84 has a first distal end 85, and thesecond distal section 86 has a second distal end 87. The first distalsection 84 and the second distal section 86 are formed from a flexiblematerial which retains shape in a bent condition such that the firstdistal section 84 and the second distal section 86 can be bent to emitlight in a various selected directions. An example flexible material isone that includes deformable metal wires that retain their shape uponbending in a matrix of an elastomer such as silicone or polyurethane.

The dental curing light 80 further includes a first light tip 91 havinga first base 92 removably connected to the first distal end 85 of thefirst distal section 84 of the light guide. The first light tip 91includes a first hollow tubular opaque body 93 having a first aperture94 for emitting light. The first body 93 is formed from a flexiblematerial which retains shape in a bent condition such that the firsthollow body 93 can be bent to emit light in a first selected directionfrom the first aperture 94. An example flexible material is one thatincludes deformable metal wires that retain their shape upon bending ina matrix of an elastomer such as silicone or polyurethane. The outsidediameter of the first light tip 91 tapers inward from the first base 92toward the first aperture 94. In one embodiment, the first light tip 91has a recess 105 that accepts a protrusion 106 of the first distal end85 of the first distal section 84 of the light guide in an interferencefit such that the first light tip 91 is removable from the first distalend 85 of the first distal section 84 of the light guide.

The dental curing light 80 also includes a second light tip 96 having asecond base 97 removably connected to the second distal end 87 of thesecond distal section 86 of the light guide. The second light tip 96includes a second hollow tubular opaque body 98 having a second aperture99 for emitting light. The second body 98 is formed from a flexiblematerial which retains shape in a bent condition such that the secondhollow body 98 can be bent to emit light in a second selected directionfrom the second aperture 99. An example flexible material is one thatincludes deformable metal wires that retain their shape upon bending ina matrix of an elastomer such as silicone or polyurethane. The outsidediameter of the second light tip 96 tapers inward from the second base97 toward the second aperture 99. In one embodiment, the second lighttip 96 has a recess 115 that accepts a protrusion 116 of the seconddistal end 87 of the second distal section 86 of the light guide in aninterference fit such that the second light tip 96 is removable fromsecond distal end 87 of the second distal section 86 of the light guide.

In the dental curing light 80, the electrical power supply, the lightsource and the proximal section 82 of the light guide can be encased ina housing 101. Alternatively, the electrical power supply and the lightsource are encased in the housing 101 and the proximal section 82 of thelight guide is at least partially outside the housing 101.

The dental curing light 80 can be used in a method for the restorationof a tooth having a hollow cavity preparation in an interproximalsurface of the tooth. In the method, a light-curable restorativematerial is placed in the cavity preparation, and light is directed fromthe first light tip 91 of the dental curing light 80 at a buccal portionof the restorative material in the cavity preparation. Simultaneouslylights is directed from the second light tip 96 of the dental curinglight 80 at a lingual portion of the restorative material in the cavitypreparation. The first light tip 91 and the second light tip 96 can bebent such that light can be directed at the buccal portion and thelingual portion of the restorative material in the cavity preparation.The use of light curing is generally preferred over chemical curing asthe resulting cured material is color stable.

Turning now to FIG. 12A, another example dental curing light 380 thatmay be used in the method of the invention will be now be described infurther detail. The dental curing light 380 includes an electrical powersupply 381 (such as an AC power supply or a rechargeable battery or aprimary battery) and light sources 382 a, 382 b in electricalcommunication with the electrical power supply 381. The electrical powersupply 381 and the light sources 382 a, 382 b are contained in a housing401. The light sources 382 a, 382 b can be high intensity light emittingdiodes as is known in the art. The dental curing light 380 can use thetypical 400-500 nanometer wavelength that is used in curing lightcurable composite materials. Plasma arc, halogen, and laser lightsources are also suitable.

The dental curing light 380 includes a first light guide 383 a having afirst distal section 384 a and a first distal end 385 a. A first lightconducting optical fiber bundle (not shown, similar to 386 b) iscontained within a first sleeve of the first light guide 383 a. Thefirst light conducting optical fiber bundle conducts light from thelight source 382 a to a transparent or translucent first tip 388 a ofthe first light guide 383 a. The first tip 388 a of the first lightguide 383 a can have a 3 millimeter circle diameter and can extendaxially about 3 millimeters beyond the sleeve 387 a of the first lightguide 383 a.

The dental curing light 380 also includes a second light guide 383 bhaving a second distal section 384 b and a second distal end 385 b. Asecond circular light conducting optical fiber bundle 386 b (see FIG.12AA) is contained within a second sleeve 387 b of the second lightguide 383 b. The second light conducting optical fiber bundle 386 bconducts light from the light source 382 b to a transparent ortranslucent second tip 388 b of the second light guide 383 b. The secondtip 388 b of the second light guide 383 b can have a 3 millimeter circlediameter and can extend about 3 millimeters beyond the sleeve 387 b ofthe second light guide 383 b. The second tip 388 b extends outward froman integral transparent or translucent disc-like flange 388 t. Thesecond light conducting optical fiber bundle 386 b also conducts lightfrom the light source 382 b to the disc-like flange 388 t.

In one version of the dental curing light 380, the first sleeve 387 aand the second sleeve 387 b are formed from a flexible material whichretains shape in a bent condition such that the first sleeve 387 a andthe second sleeve 387 b can be bent to emit light in a various selecteddirections. An example flexible material is one that includes deformablemetal wires that retain their shape upon bending in a matrix of anelastomer such as silicone or polyurethane.

In another version of the dental curing light 380, the first sleeve 387a and the second sleeve 387 b are formed from a rigid material. Lookingat FIG. 12B, the operation of such a dental curing light 380 is shown.The light source 382 a and first light guide 383 a are mounted on ahinge assembly such that the light source 382 a and first light guide383 a may pivot in direction O1 shown in FIG. 12B. Likewise, the lightsource 382 b and second light guide 383 b are mounted on a hingeassembly such that the light source 382 b and second light guide 383 bmay pivot in direction O2 shown in FIG. 12B. The hinge assemblies arespring-biased inward such that the rest position for the first lightguide 383 a and the second light guide 383 b are depicted in full linesin FIG. 12B. When the first light guide 383 a and the second light guide383 b are flexed outward against the bias of the hinge assemblies, thefirst light guide 383 a and the second light guide 383 are in the flexedpositions depicted in dashed lines in FIG. 12B.

The dental curing light 380 can be used in a method for the restorationof a tooth having a hollow cavity preparation in an interproximalsurface of the tooth. In the method, a light-curable restorativematerial is placed in the cavity preparation. The first light guide 383a and the second light guide 383 b can be flexed outward as describedwith reference to FIG. 12B, and thereafter the first light guide 383 aand the second light guide 383 b are released such that the first tip388 a of the dental curing light 380 assumes a position near a buccalportion of the restorative material in the cavity preparation and thesecond tip 388 b of the dental curing light 380 assumes a position neara lingual portion of the restorative material in the cavity preparation.Alternatively, when the first sleeve 387 a and the second sleeve 387 bcomprise flexible materials, the first sleeve 387 a and the secondsleeve 387 b can be bent such that light can be directed at the buccalportion and the lingual portion of the restorative material in thecavity preparation by the first tip 388 a and the second tip 388 b,preferably at a distance of less than 6 millimeters, most preferably at3-4 millimeters. The proximity of the light guides or LEDs can beimportant as moving as little as 3 millimeters away from the surfaceaffects photon transfer. The hinging of the light guides along with thedual surface profiles of the tips allows more intimate positioning thanwith previous lights. Preferably, in the relaxed position, the first tip388 a and the second tip 388 b are about 4 to about 15 millimetersapart. In the case of incisor restoration, the first tip 388 a and thesecond tip 388 b are most preferably about 4 to about 15 millimetersapart. In the case of molar restoration, the first tip 388 a and thesecond tip 388 b are most preferably about 4 to about 15 millimetersapart.

Turning now to FIG. 12C, another example dental curing light 380 c thatmay be used in the method of the invention will be now be described infurther detail. The dental curing light 380 c includes an electricalpower supply 381 c (such as batteries) and light sources 382 c, 382 d inelectrical communication by way of lines 381 l, 381 m with theelectrical power supply 381 c. The light sources 382 c, 382 d can behigh intensity light emitting diodes as is known in the art. The dentalcuring light 380 c can use the typical 400-500 nanometer wavelength thatis used in curing light curable composite materials. The electricalpower supply 381 c is contained in a housing 401 c. The dental curinglight 380 c includes a first light guide 383 c having a first distalsection 384 c and a first distal end 385 c. The dental curing light 380c also includes a second light guide 383 d having a second distalsection 384 d and a second distal end 385 d. The light source 382 c iscontained in the first distal end 385 c of the first light guide 383 c.Likewise, the light source 382 d is contained in the second distal end385 d of the second light guide 383 d.

A first light conducting optical fiber bundle 386 c conducts light fromthe light source 382 c to a first tip 388 c which can extend about 3millimeters beyond the sleeve 387 c of the first light guide 383 c.Likewise, a second light conducting optical fiber bundle 386 d conductslight from the light source 382 d to a second tip 388 d which can extendabout 3 millimeters beyond the second sleeve 387 d of the second lightguide 383 d. Alternatively, the first light conducting optical fiberbundle 386 c and the second light conducting optical fiber bundle 386 dmay be omitted from the dental curing light 380 c and light may beemitted from the light sources 382 c, 382 d to the tips 388 c, 388 d anddirectly onto the tooth. By locating the light sources 382 c, 382 d nearthe end of the light guides 383 c, 383 d loss of light intensity andlight scattering are minimized.

Turning now to FIG. 12D, another example dental curing light 380 d thatmay be used in the method of the invention will be now be described infurther detail. The dental curing light 380 d includes an electricalpower supply (not shown) and light sources (not shown) in electricalcommunication with the electrical power supply as in the dental curinglight 380 of FIG. 12A. The dental curing light 380 d includes a firstlight guide 383 e having a first distal section 384 e and a first distalend 385 e. The dental curing light 380 d also includes a second lightguide 383 f having a second distal section 384 f and a second distal end385 f. A first light conducting optical fiber bundle conducts light fromthe light source to a first tip 388 e of the first light conductingoptical fiber. Likewise, a second light conducting optical fiberconducts light from the light source to a second tip 388 f of the secondlight conducting optical fiber. In the dental curing light 380 d, thereis a fan 391 d that is in fluid communication with a first fluid conduit392 e and a second fluid conduit 392 f. The fan is powered by theelectrical power supply. Flowing air from the fan 391 d passes throughthe first fluid conduit 392 e and exits the first distal end 385 e ofthe first light guide 383 e. Flowing air from the fan 391 d also passesthrough the second fluid conduit 392 f and exits the second distal end385 f of the second light guide 383 f. When using the dental curinglight 380 d to cure restorative material in a cavity preparation, theflowing air contacts the tooth to provide a cooling effect. Thiseliminates heating of the tooth that results from photon collisions withthe tooth.

Turning now to FIGS. 12E and 12F, another example dental curing light380 e that may be used in the method of the invention will be now bedescribed in further detail. The dental curing light 380 e includes anelectrical power supply (not shown) and light sources (not shown) inelectrical communication with the electrical power supply as in thedental curing light 380 of FIG. 12A. The dental curing light 380 eincludes a first light guide 383 g having a first distal section 384 gand a first distal end 385 g. The dental curing light 380 e alsoincludes a second light guide 383 h having a second distal section 384 hand a second distal end 385 h. In the dental curing light 380 e, thereis also a third light guide 383 j having a third distal section 384 jand a third distal end 385 j. A first light conducting optical fiberbundle conducts light from the light source to a first tip 388 g of thefirst light conducting optical fiber. Likewise, a second lightconducting optical fiber bundle conducts light from the light source toa second tip 388 h of the second light conducting optical fiber.Likewise, a third light conducting optical fiber conducts light from thelight source to an end 388 j of the third light conducting opticalfiber. The first light guide 383 g and the second light guide 383 h areused to cure buccal and lingual portions of the restorative material asdescribed above with reference to FIG. 12A. The third light guide 383 jis used to cure occlusal portions of the restorative material.

Turning now to FIG. 12G, yet another example dental curing light 380 gthat may be used in the method of the invention will be now be describedin further detail. The dental curing light 380 g includes an electricalpower supply 381 g (such as batteries) and light sources 382 g, 382 h inelectrical communication by way of lines 381 q. 381 r with theelectrical power supply 381 g. The light sources 382 g, 382 h can behigh intensity light emitting diodes as is known in the art. The dentalcuring light 380 g can use the typical 400-500 nanometer wavelength thatis used in curing light curable composite materials. The electricalpower supply 381 g is contained in a housing 401 g. The dental curinglight 380 c includes a first generally L-shaped light guide 383 q havinga first distal section 384 q and a first distal end 385 q. The dentalcuring light 380 c also includes a second generally L-shaped light guide383 r having a second distal section 384 r and a second distal end 385r. The light source 382 g is contained in the first distal end 385 q ofthe first light guide 383 q. Likewise, the light source 382 h iscontained in the second distal end 385 r of the second light guide 383r.

A first light conducting optical fiber bundle 386 q conducts light fromthe light source 382 g to a first tip 388 q. The first tip 388 q extendsabout 3 millimeters beyond the sleeve 387 q of the first light guide 383q. Likewise, a second light conducting optical fiber 386 r conductslight from the light source 382 h to a second tip 388 r. The second tip388 r of extends about 3 millimeters beyond the second sleeve 387 r ofthe second light guide 383 r. Alternatively, the first light conductingoptical fiber bundle 386 q and the second light conducting optical fiberbundle 386 r may be omitted from the dental curing light 380 g and lightmay be emitted from the light sources 382 q, 382 r to the tips 388 q,388 r and directly onto the tooth. By locating the light sources 382 q,382 r near the end of the light guides 383 q, 383 r loss of lightintensity and light scattering are minimized.

In the dental curing light 380 g, the first light guide 383 q and thesecond light guide 383 r are mounted on a hinge assembly 395 g such thatthe first light guide 383 q may pivot in direction O3 shown in FIG. 12Gand the second light guide 383 r may pivot in direction O4 shown in FIG.12G. The hinge assembly 395 g includes a central pivot pin 397 g in themiddle of a helical torsion spring that has a first leg 398 g thatbiases the first light guide 383 g in direction O5 and a second leg 399g that biases the second light guide 383 r in direction O6 as shown inFIG. 12G.

The dental curing light 380 g can be used in a method for therestoration of a tooth having a hollow cavity preparation in aninterproximal surface of the tooth. In the method, a light-curablerestorative material is placed in the cavity preparation. The firstlight guide 383 q and the second light guide 383 r can be flexed outwardin directions O3 and O4 respectively as described with reference to FIG.12G and thereafter the first light guide 383 q and the second lightguide 383 g are released such that the first tip 388 q of the dentalcuring light 380 g assumes a position near a buccal portion of therestorative material in the cavity preparation (preferably at a distanceof less than 6 millimeters, most preferably at 3-4 millimeters) and thesecond tip 388 r of the dental curing light 380 g assumes a positionnear a lingual portion of the restorative material in the cavitypreparation (preferably at a distance of less than 6 millimeters, mostpreferably at 3-4 millimeters).

Turning now to FIG. 12H, another example dental curing light 380 h thatmay be used in the method of the invention will be now be described infurther detail. The dental curing light 380 h includes an electricalpower supply 381 h (such as batteries) and light sources 382 s, 382 t,382 u in electrical communication by way of line 381 x with theelectrical power supply 381 h. The light sources 382 s, 382 t, 382 u canbe high intensity light emitting diodes as is known in the art. Thedental curing light 380 h can use the typical 400-500 nanometerwavelength that is used in curing light curable composite materials. Theelectrical power supply 381 h is contained in a housing 401 h. Thedental curing light 380 h includes an tubular extension arm 383 h havinga distal section 384 h and a distal end 385 h. At the distal end 385 hof the extension arm 383 h, there is located an arch-shaped support 387h on which light sources 382 s, 382 t, 382 u are mounted. In theembodiment of FIGS. 12H and 12I, the included angle A between the distalsection 384 h and the distal end 385 h is about 90 degrees; however, theincluded angle between the distal section 384 h and the distal end 385 hcan be about 30 degrees to about 150 degrees, preferably about 60degrees to about 120 degrees. In the side view of FIG. 12H, thearch-shaped support 387 h has a generally U-shaped perimeter; however,other perimeter shapes, such as square, rectangular, V-shaped, oval, orcircular, can be used. The support 387 h has a base wall 388 x, a firstwall 389 x extending from the base wall 388 x, and a spaced second wall390 x extending from the base wall 388 x. The base wall 388 x isconnected to the arm 383 h. The arch-shaped support 387 h can be rigid,or can be formed from a flexible material that retains its shape upondeforming. An example flexible material is one that includes deformablemetal wires that retain their shape upon bending in a matrix of anelastomer such as silicone or polyurethane.

The dental curing light 380 h can be used in a method for therestoration of a tooth having a hollow cavity preparation in aninterproximal surface of the tooth. In the method, a light-curablerestorative material is placed in the cavity preparation. The dentalcuring light 380 h is positioned such that the light source 382 sassumes a position near a buccal portion of the restorative material inthe cavity preparation (preferably at a distance of less than 9millimeters), the light source 382 t assumes a position near an occlusalportion of the restorative material in the cavity preparation(preferably at a distance of less than 9 millimeters), and the lightsource 382 u assumes a position near a lingual portion of therestorative material in the cavity preparation (preferably at a distanceof less than 9 millimeters).

Turning to FIGS. 16-18, there is shown yet another embodiment of asectional translucent (preferably transparent) anatomic dental matrix130 which allows for the restoration of two approximating teethsimultaneously. In the dental matrix 130, there is a first strip 132having a concave side surface 140 and a convex side surface 138 atplanes horizontal to the first strip 132. The first strip 132 of thedental matrix 130 also has a base portion 142 and an upper portion 144integral with and extending upward from the base portion 142 of thefirst strip 132. The horizontally concave side surface 140 forming thebase portion 142 is not vertically concave, that is, a cross-section ofthe base portion 142 has parallel straight vertical walls that arenormal to a bottom surface 146 of the first strip 132 (see FIG. 17). Thehorizontally concave side surface 140 forming the upper portion 144 ofthe first strip 132 is vertically concave (see FIG. 17).

In the dental matrix 130, there is also a second strip 152 having aconcave side surface 158 and a convex side surface 160 at planeshorizontal to the second strip 152. The second strip 152 of the dentalmatrix 130 also has a base portion 162 and an upper portion 164 integralwith and extending upward from the base portion 162 of the second strip152. The horizontally concave side surface 158 forming the base portion162 is not vertically concave, that is, a cross-section of the baseportion 162 has parallel straight vertical walls that are normal to abottom surface 166 of the second strip 152 (see FIG. 17). Thehorizontally concave side surface 158 forming the upper portion 164 ofthe second strip 152 is vertically concave (see FIG. 17).

The first strip 132 and the second strip 152 are joined by fusing at amiddle portion 172 of the dental matrix 130 at the upper portion 144 ofthe first strip 132 and the upper portion 164 of the second strip 152.The dashed oval in FIG. 16 shows an example area of fusion. The firststrip 132 and the second strip 152 can be formed as separate pieces andfused together or molded as a single piece. Preferably, the dentalmatrix 130 is formed from a translucent (preferably transparent)material such as a polymeric film. One non-limiting example translucentmaterial is the polyester film commercially available as Mylar™.Alternatively, the dental matrix 130 can be formed from a metallicmaterial such as stainless steel or aluminum. The first strip 132 andthe second strip 152 can be formed using the same or differentmaterials.

Looking at FIG. 18, the ends of the first strip 132 and the second strip152 have a material thickness Ta (which may be about 0.002-0.003 inchesin an example embodiment). Moving toward the middle portion 172 of thedental matrix 130, the thickness of the first strip 132 and the secondstrip 152 tapers to a thickness Tb measured from the concave sidesurface 140 of the first strip 132 to the concave side surface 158 ofthe second strip 152. Preferably, the thickness Tb is less than twotimes the thickness Ta such that the dental matrix 130 can be moreeasily positioned between restoration of two approximating teeth. Mostpreferably, the thickness Tb equals the thickness Ta.

For example, in one form of the dental matrix 130, Ta can be about 0.002inches and Tb can be about 0.002 inches. In other words, the contactarea of the first strip 132 and the second strip 152 that is common tothe first strip 132 and the second strip 152 will be the thickness ofone sheet of strip (about 0.002 inches). This will mitigate the seriousproblem of back to back matrices that, when the matrices are removed, anopen contact is created of 0.004 inches or more. In another form of thedental matrix 130, Ta can be about 0.002 inches and Tb can be about0.001 inches. In other words, the contact area that is common to thefirst strip 132 and the second strip 152 will be less than the thicknessof one strip, or less than 0.002 inches. In this case, only a minimalseparation pressure will be needed. One non-limiting advantage of thethinner section where the two wings of the matrix join (or are shared)is to avoid the gapping that occurs when two matrix bands are placedback to back when restoring two decayed, approximating teethsimultaneously. The space taken by two thicknesses of a matrixdramatically increases the likelihood of an “open contact” where foodbecomes impacted and periodontal inflammation occurs.

When using the dental matrix 130 to restore two decayed, approximatingteeth simultaneously, the placement of the interproximal dental matrixstabilizer 48 between approximating teeth occurs before the dentalmatrix 130 is inserted between the approximating teeth. The dentiststretches the dental matrix stabilizer 48 in directions A and B shown inFIG. 4. The dental matrix stabilizer 48 can be stretched by insertingthe ends of a pliers in the first throughhole 58 and the secondthroughhole 59 of the dental matrix stabilizer 48 and opening the endsof the pliers. Alternatively, the dentist can grab and pull apart theend portions 51 and 52 of the dental matrix stabilizer 48 in directionsA and B shown in FIG. 4. The stretching of the dental matrix stabilizer48 leads to a decrease in vertical cross-section of the middle portion53 of the dental matrix stabilizer 48 such that the dental matrixstabilizer 48 can be inserted between approximating teeth 12 and 24 bymovement in direction C of FIG. 4. The dental matrix 130 can then beplaced between approximating teeth 12 and 24 and the stretching tensileforce on the dental matrix stabilizer 48 is released. As a result, thedental matrix stabilizer 48 biases the base portion 142 of the dentalmatrix 130 against the tooth 12 and the dental matrix stabilizer 48biases the base portion 162 of the dental matrix 130 against the tooth24. In one example, the matrix 130 is positioned in a four handedoperation in which the double sided matrix 130 is inserted by one personas the other clinical person stretches the stabilizer 48 to allow thedouble sided matrix 130 to seat, then the stabilizer 48 is released andrelaxes into proper position. Alternatively, one or two clearstabilizing wedges can be inserted after the matrix 130 is placed.

Turning to FIGS. 19-21, there is shown yet another embodiment of asectional translucent (preferably transparent) anatomic dental matrix230 which allows for the restoration of two approximating teethsimultaneously. In the dental matrix 230, there is a first strip 232having a concave side surface 240 and a convex side surface 238 atplanes horizontal to the first strip 232. The first strip 232 of thedental matrix 230 also has a base portion 242 and an upper portion 244integral with and extending upward from the base portion 242 of thefirst strip 232. The horizontally concave side surface 240 forming thebase portion 242 is not vertically concave, that is, a cross-section ofthe base portion 242 has parallel straight vertical walls that arenormal to a bottom surface 246 of the first strip 232 (see FIG. 20). Thehorizontally concave side surface 240 forming the upper portion 244 ofthe first strip 232 is vertically concave (see FIG. 20).

In the dental matrix 230, there is also a second strip 252 having aconcave side surface 258 and a convex side surface 260 at planeshorizontal to the second strip 252. The second strip 252 of the dentalmatrix 230 also has a base portion 262 and an upper portion 264 integralwith and extending upward from the base portion 262 of the second strip252. The horizontally concave side surface 258 forming the base portion262 is not vertically concave, that is, a cross-section of the baseportion 262 has parallel straight vertical walls that are normal to abottom surface 266 of the second strip 252 (see FIG. 20). Thehorizontally concave side surface 258 forming the upper portion 264 ofthe second strip 252 is vertically concave (see FIG. 20).

The first strip 232 and the second strip 252 are joined by fusing at amiddle portion 272 of the dental matrix 230 at the upper portion 244 ofthe first strip 232 and the upper portion 264 of the second strip 252.The first strip 232 and the second strip 252 can be formed as separatepieces and fused together or molded as a single piece. The dental matrix230 also includes an oval throughhole 290 that in one example can be a2×3 millimeter oval. Other shapes are also possible for the throughhole290. Preferably, the dental matrix 230 is formed from a translucentmaterial such as a polymeric film. One non-limiting example translucentmaterial is the polyester film commercially available as Mylar™.Alternatively, the dental matrix 230 can be formed from a metallicmaterial such as stainless steel or aluminum.

Looking at FIG. 21, the ends of the first strip 232 and the second strip252 have a material thickness Ta (which can be about 0.002-0.003 inchesin an example embodiment). Moving toward the middle portion 272 of thedental matrix 230, the thickness of the first strip 232 and the secondstrip 252 tapers to a thickness Tb measured from the concave sidesurface 240 of the first strip 232 to the concave side surface 258 ofthe second strip 252. Preferably, the thickness Tb is less than twotimes the thickness Ta such that the dental matrix 230 can be moreeasily positioned between restoration of two approximating teeth. Mostpreferably, the thickness Tb equals the thickness Ta. One non-limitingadvantage of the thinner section where the two wings of the matrix joinis to avoid the gapping that occurs when two matrix bands are placedback to back when restoring two decayed, approximating teethsimultaneously. The space taken by two thicknesses of a matrixdramatically increases the likelihood of an “open contact” where foodbecomes impacted and periodontal inflammation occurs.

When using the dental matrix 230 to restore two decayed, approximatingteeth simultaneously, the placement of the interproximal dental matrixstabilizer 48 between approximating teeth occurs before the dentalmatrix 230 is inserted between the approximating teeth. The dentiststretches the dental matrix stabilizer 48 in directions A and B shown inFIG. 4. The dental matrix stabilizer 48 can be stretched by insertingthe ends of a pliers in the first throughhole 58 and the secondthroughhole 59 of the dental matrix stabilizer 48 and opening the endsof the pliers. Alternatively, the dentist can grab and pull apart theend portions 51 and 52 of the dental matrix stabilizer 48 in directionsA and B shown in FIG. 4. The stretching of the dental matrix stabilizer48 leads to a thinning of the middle portion 53 of the dental matrixstabilizer 48 such that the dental matrix stabilizer 48 can be insertedbetween approximating teeth 12 and 24 by movement in direction C of FIG.4. The dental matrix 230 can then be placed between approximating teeth12 and 24 and the stretching force on the dental matrix stabilizer 48 isreleased. As a result, the dental matrix stabilizer 48 biases the baseportion 242 of the dental matrix 230 against the tooth 12 and the dentalmatrix stabilizer 48 biases the base portion 262 of the dental matrix230 against the tooth 24.

When using the dental matrix 230 to restore two decayed, approximatingteeth simultaneously, the throughhole 290 will allow restorativematerial from both cavity preparations to unite. By applying a gentleforce at the end of the procedure, the approximating teeth will separatealong the cleavage plane. Alternatively, the dental matrix 230 can becutaway, and the patient can be dismissed and the teeth will thereaftercleave (snap apart) with normal mastication to form a tight contact.This will assure that a strong tight tooth to tooth contact is created.Special offset shears can be used to cutaway the matrix 230 that wouldotherwise be locked onto teeth. Alternatively, a perforation can becreated on the lingual side that will allow for easy removal of thedental matrix 230.

Turning to FIG. 22, there is shown still another embodiment of asectional translucent (preferably transparent) anatomic dental matrix230A which allows for the restoration of two approximating teethsimultaneously. In the dental matrix 230A, there is a first strip 232Ahaving a concave side surface 240A and a convex side surface 238A atplanes horizontal to the first strip 232A. The first strip 232A of thedental matrix 230A also has a base portion (not shown, similar to 242 inFIG. 20) and an upper portion 244A integral with and extending upwardfrom the base portion of the first strip 232A. The horizontally concaveside surface 240A forming the base portion is not vertically concave,that is, a cross-section of the base portion has parallel straightvertical walls that are normal to a bottom surface of the first strip232A. The horizontally concave side surface 240A forming the upperportion 244A of the first strip 232A is vertically concave.

In the dental matrix 230A, there is also a second strip 252A having aconcave side surface 258A and a convex side surface 260A at planeshorizontal to the second strip 252A. The second strip 252A of the dentalmatrix 230A also has a base portion (not shown, similar to 262 in FIG.20) and an upper portion 264A integral with and extending upward fromthe base portion of the second strip 252A. The horizontally concave sidesurface 258A forming the base portion is not vertically concave, thatis, a cross-section of the base portion has parallel straight verticalwalls that are normal to a bottom surface of the second strip 252A. Thehorizontally concave side surface 258A forming the upper portion 264A ofthe second strip 252A is vertically concave.

The first strip 232A and the second strip 252A are joined by fusing at amiddle portion 272A of the dental matrix 230A at the upper portion 244Aof the first strip 232A and the upper portion 264A of the second strip252A. The first strip 232A includes an oval throughhole 289A that in oneexample can be a 2×3 millimeter oval. The second strip 252A includes anoval throughhole 290A that in one example can be a 2×3 millimeter oval.The oval throughhole 289A and the oval throughhole 290A are aligned whenthe first strip 232A and the second strip 252A are joined by fusing.Other shapes are also possible for the throughholes 289A and 290A. Whenthe first strip 232A and the second strip 252A are joined by fusing, athin membrane 288A is positioned between the throughholes 289A and 290Aand a portion of the first strip 232A and the second strip 252A.Preferably, the first strip 232A, the second strip 252A, and themembrane 288A are formed from a translucent material such as a polymericfilm. One non-limiting example translucent material is the polyesterfilm commercially available as Mylar™. Alternatively, the dental matrix230A can be formed from a metallic material such as stainless steel oraluminum.

Looking at FIG. 22, the ends of the first strip 232A and the secondstrip 252A have a material thickness Ta (which can be about 0.002-0.003inches in an example embodiment). Moving toward the middle portion 272Aof the dental matrix 230A, the thickness of the first strip 232A and thesecond strip 252A tapers to a thickness Tb measured from the concaveside surface 240A of the first strip 232A to the concave side surface258A of the second strip 252A. Preferably, the thickness Tb is less thantwo times the thickness Ta such that the dental matrix 230A can be moreeasily positioned between restoration of two approximating teeth. Mostpreferably, the thickness Tb equals the thickness Ta. One non-limitingadvantage of the thinner section where the two wings of the matrix joinis to avoid the gapping that occurs when two matrix bands are placedback to back when restoring two decayed, approximating teethsimultaneously. The space taken by two thicknesses of a matrixdramatically increases the likelihood of an “open contact” where foodbecomes impacted and periodontal inflammation occurs.

Turning to FIGS. 23-24, there is shown yet another embodiment of asectional translucent (preferably transparent) anatomic dental matrix230B which allows for the restoration of two approximating teethsimultaneously. In the dental matrix 230B, there is a first strip 232Bhaving a concave side surface 240B and a convex side surface 238B atplanes horizontal to the first strip 232B. The first strip 232B of thedental matrix 230B also has a base portion (not shown, similar to 262B)and an upper portion 244B integral with and extending upward from thebase portion of the first strip 232B. The horizontally concave sidesurface 240B forming the base portion is not vertically concave, thatis, a cross-section of the base portion has parallel straight verticalwalls that are normal to a bottom surface of the first strip 232B. Thehorizontally concave side surface 240B forming the upper portion 244B ofthe first strip 232B is vertically concave.

In the dental matrix 230B, there is also a second strip 252B having aconcave side surface 258B and a convex side surface 260B at planeshorizontal to the second strip 252B. The second strip 252B of the dentalmatrix 230B also has a base portion 262B and an upper portion 264Bintegral with and extending upward from the base portion of the secondstrip 252B. The horizontally concave side surface 258B forming the baseportion is not vertically concave, that is, a cross-section of the baseportion has parallel straight vertical walls that are normal to a bottomsurface of the second strip 252B. The horizontally concave side surface258B forming the upper portion 264B of the second strip 252B isvertically concave. Preferably, the first strip 232B and the secondstrip 252B are formed from a translucent material such as a polymericfilm. One non-limiting example translucent material is the polyesterfilm commercially available as Mylar™. Alternatively, the dental matrix230B can be formed from a metallic material such as stainless steel oraluminum.

The second strip 252B includes an oval throughhole 290B that in oneexample can be about 2×3 millimeter oval. Other shapes are also possiblefor the throughhole 290B. When the first strip 232B and the second strip252B are placed back to back, a section of the first strip 232B ispositioned in the throughhole 290B of the second strip 252B. Looking atFIG. 24, the ends of the first strip 232B and the second strip 252B havea material thickness Ta (which can be about 0.002-0.003 inches in anexample embodiment). When the first strip 232B and the second strip 252Bare placed back to back, the thickness of the dental matrix 230B withinthe perimeter of the throughhole 290B will be the thickness of the firststrip 232B, i.e., a single material thickness. One non-limitingadvantage of the single material thickness within the perimeter of thethroughhole 290B is to avoid the gapping that occurs when two matrixbands are placed back to back when restoring two decayed, approximatingteeth simultaneously. The space taken by two thicknesses of a matrixdramatically increases the likelihood of an “open contact” where foodbecomes impacted and periodontal inflammation occurs. However, in thedental matrix 230B only a single material thickness within the perimeterof the throughhole 290B is present.

Referring now to FIGS. 25 to 28, there is shown the use of anotheralternative separator ring 410 according to the invention. The separatorring 410 has an arcuate body 412 having legs 414 and 416 that extend ata generally right angle from the body 412. Leg 414 has a disc-shaped end415, and leg 416 has a disc-shaped end 417. In the relaxed positionshown in FIGS. 26 and 27, there is a space between the legs 414 and 416.The body is preferably formed from stainless steel. However otherelastic metallic and polymeric materials are suitable.

The separator ring 410 has a clamp 420 mounted on the end of the leg414, and a clamp 422 mounted on the end of the leg 416. The clamp 420has an inwardly directed outer surface 424 that slopes upward andoutward from side walls 426, 428 of the clamp 420 and reaches a ridge432. Likewise, the clamp 422 has an inwardly directed outer surface 434that slopes upward and outward from side walls 436, 438 of the clamp 420and reaches a ridge 439. Looking at FIG. 28, the bottom of the clamp 422has an upwardly directed concavity 444. The bottom of the clamp 420 hasa similar upwardly directed concavity (not shown). The upwardly directedconcavity 444 allows the placement of a stabilizer with ends that do notseparate (such as stabilizers 48 d, 48 g) under the upwardly directedconcavity 444. The separator ring 410 also has an arcuate cover 456. Theclamps 420, 422 and the cover 456 are preferably formed from atranslucent elastomeric material such as a silicone or polyurethaneelastomer.

Looking at FIG. 25, the clamp 422 of the separator ring 410 can beplaced between the separate end members 63, 64 of the dental matrixstabilizer 48 with the ridge 439 directed inward toward the stabilizer48 when the separator ring 410 is placed on the dental matrix stabilizer48. The clamp 420 of the separator ring 410 can also be placed betweenthe opposite side end members of the dental matrix stabilizer 48 in asimilar fashion. The translucent (preferably transparent) elastomericmaterial of the clamps 420, 422 allows the passage of light to curerestorative material in the tooth 12.

Referring now to FIGS. 29-31, there is shown a top view of threeadjacent teeth having three different cavity preparations. In tooth 510of FIGS. 29 and 30, there is shown a conventional proximal box-shaped“slot” cavity preparation 515. In tooth 520 of FIG. 29, there is shown aconventional mesio-occlusal cavity preparation 522 having a first boxshaped mesial section 523, a second intermediate section 524, and aninner extension 525. Typically, the distance from the occlusal to thefloor of the mesial section 523 is greater than the distance from theocclusal to the floor of the intermediate section 524 which is greaterthan the distance from the occlusal to the floor of the inner extension525. Often, the inner extension 525 may be described as having adovetail shape.

Referring to FIGS. 29 and 31, a cavity preparation 532 according to theinvention is shown in tooth 530 having an interproximal surface 531. Inthe occlusal view of FIG. 29, a surface 534 which will form theinterface between the restorative material and the tooth has aserpentine outline 535 a from the cavity margin 536 to an intermediatepoint 538 of the cavity preparation 532. Likewise, the surface 534 has aserpentine outline 535 b from the cavity margin 541 to the intermediatepoint 538 of the cavity preparation 532. Looking at FIG. 31, the surface534 slopes in a curvilinear manner from occlusal to gingival.

Other variations of the cavity preparation 532 can be prepared. Thehollow cavity preparation 532 can be saucer shaped from buccal view andocclusal view. No mechanical retention is necessarily present in thecavity form as all retention is based on enamel adhesion, augmented withdentin adhesion. All margins are therefore knife edge and disappearingin nature versus the abrupt margins of current cavity designs. Inanother variation all of the margins, occlusal, gingival, buccal andlingual may have serpentine outlines. These margins provide additionaladhesion and an even more pronounced knife edge, more invisible andbetter sealed filling margins.

Thus, the invention provides improved methods, dental matrices, dentalwedges, interdental matrix stabilizers, dental separator rings, dentalcuring light devices, and kits for the restoration of a decayed portionof a tooth In the method, the filling material can be a single load offilling material that is cured in a single curing step in contrast toprevious methods in which multiple two millimeter sections of fillingmaterial must be separately loaded and cured in multiple loading/curingsteps. As a result, the method of the invention avoids the seams thatare present between multiple two millimeter sections of filling materialin prior methods.

Although the present invention has been described with reference tocertain embodiments, one skilled in the art will appreciate that thepresent invention can be practiced by other than the describedembodiments, which have been presented for purposes of illustration andnot of limitation. Therefore, the scope of the appended claims shouldnot be limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein.

1. A dental curing light comprising: an electrical power supply; a firstlight guide in optical communication with at least one light source inelectrical communication with the electrical power supply; a secondlight guide in optical communication with at least one light source inelectrical communication with the electrical power supply, wherein thefirst light guide and the second light guide are connected to a housing,and wherein at least one of the first light guide and the second lightguide is hinged to the housing for movement with respect to the housing.2. The dental curing light of claim 1 wherein: the first light guide andthe second light guide are both hinged to the housing for movement withrespect to the housing.
 3. The dental curing light of claim 1 wherein:the first light guide has a first distal tip, the second light guide hasa second distal tip, and the first tip and the second tip are angledtoward each other.
 4. The dental curing light of claim 3 wherein: thefirst light guide and the second light guide are normally biased into arelaxed position in which the first distal tip and the second distal tipare a first distance apart, and the first light guide and the secondlight guide have an outwardly flexed position in which the first distaltip and the second distal tip are a second distance apart, the seconddistance being greater than the first distance.
 5. The dental curinglight of claim 4 wherein: the first distance is about 4 to about 15millimeters.
 6. The dental curing light of claim 1 wherein: the firstlight guide is in optical communication with a first light source inelectrical communication with the electrical power supply, the secondlight guide is in optical communication with a second light source inelectrical communication with the electrical power supply, the firstlight source is located in the first distal end of the first lightguide, and the second light source is located in the second distal endof the second light guide.
 7. The dental curing light of claim 1 furthercomprising: a third light guide in optical communication with at leastone light source in electrical communication with the electrical powersupply.
 8. A method for the restoration of a tooth having a hollowcavity preparation in an interproximal surface of the tooth, the methodcomprising: (a) placing a light-curable restorative material in thecavity preparation; (b) directing light from the first light guide ofthe dental curing light of claim 1 at a buccal portion of therestorative material in the cavity preparation; and (c) simultaneouslydirecting light from the second light guide of the dental curing lightof claim 1 at a lingual portion of the restorative material in thecavity preparation.
 9. A dental curing light comprising: an electricalpower supply; a first light guide in optical communication with at leastone light source in electrical communication with the electrical powersupply; a first light transmitting tip connected to a first distal endof the first light guide, the first tip including a first tip sectionhaving a diameter less than a diameter of the first distal end of thefirst light guide; a second light guide in optical communication with atleast one light source in electrical communication with the electricalpower supply; and a second light transmitting tip connected to a seconddistal end of the second light guide, the second tip including a secondtip section having a diameter less than a diameter of the second distalend of the second light guide.
 10. The dental curing light of claim 9wherein: the first tip and the second tip are angled toward each other.11. The dental curing light of claim 9 wherein: the first light guide isin optical communication with a first light source in electricalcommunication with the electrical power supply, and the second lightguide is in optical communication with a second light source inelectrical communication with the electrical power supply.
 12. Thedental curing light of claim 11 wherein: the first light source islocated in the first distal end of the first light guide, and the secondlight source is located in the second distal end of the second lightguide.
 13. The dental curing light of claim 9 wherein: the first lightguide and the second light guide are connected to a housing, and atleast one of the first light guide and the second light guide are hingedto the housing for movement with respect to the housing.
 14. The dentalcuring light of claim 9 wherein: the first tip includes a first lighttransmitting section extending laterally from a base of the first tipsection, and the second tip includes a second light transmitting sectionextending laterally from a base of the second tip section.
 15. Thedental curing light of claim 9 wherein: at least one of the first distalend of the first light guide and the second distal end of the secondlight guide includes an opening in fluid communication with a source offlowing air.
 16. The dental curing light of claim 9 further comprising:a third light guide in optical communication with at least one lightsource in electrical communication with the electrical power supply. 17.The dental curing light of claim 16 wherein: the third light guidedirects light in a direction substantially perpendicular to the firstlight guide.
 18. A dental curing light comprising: an electrical powersupply; a light source in electrical communication with the electricalpower supply; a light guide including a proximal section, a first distalsection extending from the proximal section, and a second distal sectionextending from the proximal section, the proximal section being inoptical communication with the light source, the first distal sectionand the second distal section, the first distal section having a firstdistal end, the second distal section having a second distal end; afirst light tip having a first base connected to the first distal end ofthe first distal section of the light guide, the first light tipincluding a first hollow tubular opaque body having a first aperture foremitting light, the first body comprising a flexible material whichretains shape in a bent condition such that the first hollow body can bebent to emit light in a first selected direction from the firstaperture; and a second light tip having a second base connected to thesecond distal end of the second distal section of the light guide, thesecond light tip including a second hollow tubular opaque body having asecond aperture for emitting light, the second body comprising aflexible material which retains shape in a bent condition such that thesecond hollow body can be bent to emit light in a second selecteddirection from the second aperture.
 19. The dental curing light of claim18 wherein: an outside diameter of the first light tip tapers inwardfrom the first base toward the first aperture.
 20. The dental curinglight of claim 18 wherein: the electrical power supply, the light sourceand the proximal section of the light guide are encased in a housing.21. The dental curing light of claim 18 wherein: the electrical powersupply and the light source are encased in a housing.
 22. The dentalcuring light of claim 18 wherein: the first light tip is removablyconnected to the first distal end of the first distal section of thelight guide.
 23. A method for the restoration of a tooth having a hollowcavity preparation in an interproximal surface of the tooth, the methodcomprising: (a) placing a light-curable restorative material in thecavity preparation; (b) directing light from the first light tip of thedental curing light of claim 18 at a buccal portion of the restorativematerial in the cavity preparation; and (c) simultaneously directinglight from the second light tip of the dental curing light of claim 18at a lingual portion of the restorative material in the cavitypreparation.
 24. The method of claim 23 wherein: step (b) comprisesbending the first light tip such that light can be directed at thebuccal portion of the restorative material in the cavity preparation andthereafter directing light from the first light tip of the dental curinglight of claim 18 at the buccal portion of the restorative material inthe cavity preparation.
 25. The method of claim 24 wherein: step (c)comprises bending the second light tip such that light can be directedat the lingual portion of the restorative material in the cavitypreparation and thereafter directing light from the second light tip ofthe dental curing light of claim 18 at the lingual portion of therestorative material in the cavity preparation.
 26. A dental curinglight comprising: an electrical power supply; a first light guide inoptical communication with at least one light source in electricalcommunication with the electrical power supply; a second light guide inoptical communication with at least one light source in electricalcommunication with the electrical power supply; and a third light guidein optical communication with at least one light source in electricalcommunication with the electrical power supply.
 27. The dental curinglight of claim 26 wherein: the third light guide directs light in adirection substantially perpendicular to the first light guide.
 28. Thedental curing light of claim 26 wherein: the third light guide directslight in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second lightguide.
 29. The dental curing light of claim 26 further comprising: afirst light transmitting tip connected to a first distal end of thefirst light guide; and a second light transmitting tip connected to asecond distal end of the second light guide, wherein the first tip andthe second tip are angled toward each other.
 30. The dental curing lightof claim 26 wherein: the first light guide is in optical communicationwith a first light source in electrical communication with theelectrical power supply, and the second light guide is in opticalcommunication with a second light source in electrical communicationwith the electrical power supply, and the third light guide is inoptical communication with a third light source in electricalcommunication with the electrical power supply.
 31. The dental curinglight of claim 30 wherein: the first light source is located in a firstdistal end of the first light guide, and the second light source islocated in a second distal end of the second light guide, and the thirdlight source is located in a third distal end of the third light guide.32. The dental curing light of claim 26 wherein: the first light guideand the second light guide are connected to a housing, and at least oneof the first light guide and the second light guide are movable withrespect to the housing.
 33. The dental curing light of claim 32 wherein:the first light guide and the second light guide are both hinged to thehousing for movement with respect to the housing.
 34. The dental curinglight of claim 33 wherein: a first light transmitting tip is connectedto a first distal end of the first light guide, a second lighttransmitting tip connected to a second distal end of the second lightguide, the first light guide and the second light guide are normallybiased into a relaxed position in which the first distal tip and thesecond distal tip are a first distance apart, and the first light guideand the second light guide have an outwardly flexed position in whichthe first distal tip and the second distal tip are a second distanceapart, the second distance being greater than the first distance. 35.The dental curing light of claim 34 wherein: the first distance is about4 to about 15 millimeters.
 36. A dental curing light comprising: ahousing; an electrical power supply; an elongated arm extending from thehousing, the arm having a distal section that terminates in a distalend, the distal section and the distal end defining an included angle ofgreater than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees; a support having abase wall, a first wall extending from a first end of the base wall, anda spaced apart second wall extending from a second end of the base wall,the base wall being connected to the distal end of the arm; a firstlight source in electrical communication with the power supply, thefirst light source transmitting light away from an inner surface of thebase wall; a second light source in electrical communication with thepower supply, the second light source transmitting light away from aninner surface of the first wall; and a third light source in electricalcommunication with the power supply, the third light source transmittinglight away from an inner surface of the second wall.
 37. The dentalcuring light of claim 36 wherein: the included angle is about 30 degreesto about 150 degrees.
 38. The dental curing light of claim 36 wherein:the included angle is 60 degrees to about 120 degrees.
 39. The dentalcuring light of claim 36 wherein: the included angle is about 90degrees.
 40. The dental curing light of claim 36 wherein: the supporthas a generally U-shaped perimeter or a generally V-shaped perimeter.